External auditory canal exostoses in cranial series from Bulgaria

Abstract

Objective: The external auditory canal exostosis is a localized hyperplasia of compact bone originating from the periosteum. It is thought that it results from chronic physical, chemical, or thermal irritation. The condition is usually painless and asymptomatic, but may also provoke conductive hearing loss, otorrhea, otalgia, otitis externa, and cholesteatoma. Methods: In this study, the presence of external auditory canal exostoses was bilaterally investigated in a total of 302 adult skulls (151 male and 151 female). The incidence of external auditory canal exostoses was macroscopically observed. The height and width of both external auditory canal and exostoses were measured. Results: We found a single case (0.3%) of external auditory canal exostoses in an adult male individual. These were bilateral large bone masses that significantly blocked the external auditory canal. Conclusions: It can be inferred that the individual probably suffered from the concomitant symptoms of the external auditory canal exostoses. In forensic medicine the presence of external auditory canal exostoses could be used as an evidence to confirm the identity of the deceased