Postoperative recurrence of traumatic acquired external auditory canal atresia: a case report

Acquired external auditory canal stenosis (EACS) is a rare otologic disorder with diverse etiologies, including infection, trauma, neoplasm, and inflammation. Post-traumatic stenosis is particularly uncommon, accounting for only 10% of cases. Patients typically present progressive conductive hearing loss and notable narrowing of the external auditory canal (EAC). Careful physical examination is essential to identify local inflammatory or fibrotic changes within the EAC. A history of recent trauma, recurrent external ear infections, or previous otologic surgery often suggests the diagnosis and underlying etiology. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of treatment for post-traumatic stenosis; however, the procedure is technically challenging and recurrence is frequent. Optimal surgical selection combined with meticulous postoperative follow-up is crucial to reducing recurrence. Here, we report a case of recurrent EACS following traumatic EAC atresia. The patient underwent secondary EAC meatoplasty with dermoplasty and remained free of restenosis during a 3-year follow-up.