When bony growths in your ear canal start to muffle your hearing and invite infections, exostosis surgery—or canalplasty—can offer much-needed relief and clarity.

Exostosis Surgery (Canalplasty): What I Learned from a Bony Battle in My Ear

I’ll be honest—when I first heard the word “exostosis,” I thought it sounded like something out of a science fiction novel. But it turned out to be very real and growing inside my ear canal. And it wasn’t until my hearing muffled like a worn-out speaker and ear infections started throwing parties in my head that I finally said, “Enough!”

If you're here, chances are you're dealing with something similar—perhaps a diagnosis of exostosis (those stubborn bony growths in the ear), or maybe you're wondering if surgery is really necessary. I’ve walked that path, and I want to share everything I learned—openly, emotionally, and practically.

Let’s walk through what exostosis is, why surgery (canalplasty) may be the best option, and what recovery looks like—no sugarcoating, just genuine advice from someone who’s been there.

What is Exostosis? Why It’s Not Just a “Surfer’s Ear” Problem

Exostosis, also known as surfer’s ear, refers to abnormal bony growths inside the ear canal. Though it earned its nickname from cold-water surfers, you don’t have to ride waves to be affected. Frequent exposure to cold air, wind, or water can encourage these growths.

Over time, these growths narrow the ear canal, trapping wax, water, and bacteria. That’s when problems begin: infections, hearing loss, and chronic discomfort.

In my case, it felt like living with a constantly foggy ear—muffled sounds, trapped water after showers, and a low-grade ache I couldn’t shake.

When Surgery Becomes the Right Call

Not everyone needs surgery. In fact, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, cleaning, or ear drops at first. But surgery is often the go-to when:

• ❗ The ear canal is more than 80% blocked
•  You have repeated ear infections
•  You’re experiencing noticeable hearing loss
•  There’s chronic discomfort or pain
•  Earwax impaction becomes frequent

My ENT showed me the scan—my canal was 90% closed on one side. No wonder I could barely hear whispers on that side. It wasn’t a hard decision anymore. I needed canalplasty.

The Exostosis Surgery (Canalplasty): A Peek Inside the Procedure

The surgery itself isn’t long, but it requires precision. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Anesthesia – General anesthesia is given. I was asleep the whole time.
2. Surgical Approach – Depending on the surgeon and case, one of the following techniques is used:
• Post-auricular: incision behind the ear
• Endaural: incision inside the ear canal
• Transcanal: through the ear canal itself
• Endoscopic canalplasty: provides better internal visibility
3. Removal of Growths – The bony outgrowths are removed using a micro-drill or osteotome.
4. Widening the Canal – The ear canal is reshaped to prevent recurrence.
5. Packing the Ear – Medicated gauze or packing is placed in the ear.
6. Stitches – If external incisions are made, stitches are placed behind the ear.

My procedure took about an hour. I woke up feeling groggy but relieved that it was over.

Recovery: The Real Deal

The first week post-op was quiet—literally and figuratively. My ear was packed, and I could only hear a dull echo on that side. But there was no more pain, and no more weird fullness.

Here’s what my recovery looked like:

•  Pain: Mild. Over-the-counter meds like paracetamol or ibuprofen worked fine.
•  Drops: Antibiotic ear drops helped keep infections away.
•  Water avoidance: No swimming or even water splashing during showers.
•  Follow-ups: The packing was removed after about 10 days, and healing was checked.

By the fourth week, I was back to normal—but better. Sounds were crisper, I wasn’t constantly tugging at my ear, and for the first time in years, I felt clear.

Risks? Yes. But Manageable.

No surgery is without risk. But complications from canalplasty are rare when done by a skilled ENT surgeon.

Possible risks include:

• Infection (though rare with proper post-op care)
• Bleeding
• Injury to the eardrum or facial nerve (extremely rare)
• Temporary or even permanent hearing changes
• Scar tissue in the canal

I had a bit of numbness behind the ear for a few weeks—completely normal and gone now.

Is There an Alternative?

If your exostosis is mild, you might manage symptoms with:

•  Warming the ear canal (e.g., wearing earplugs or ear warmers)
•  Antibiotic drops for infections
•  Professional ear cleanings by your ENT

But once the canal is narrowed enough, these are just band-aids.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Suffer in Silence

It’s easy to dismiss ear issues—until you realize how much they affect your balance, communication, and peace of mind. Exostosis surgery changed my life. I wish I hadn’t waited so long.

So if your ear feels like it’s walled off from the world, talk to your ENT. Get a second opinion. Look at your scans. And if canalplasty is the answer, know that you’re not alone—and it can be a smooth, healing journey.

FAQ: Exostosis Surgery (Canalplasty)

Q1. Is exostosis surgery painful?
A: Most patients experience mild discomfort post-surgery. General anesthesia ensures you feel nothing during the procedure.

Q2. How long is recovery from canalplasty?
A: Recovery typically takes 3–6 weeks. Most people resume normal activities within a week, avoiding water in the ear until fully healed.

Q3. Can exostosis return after surgery?
A: Yes, especially if cold water exposure continues. Using earplugs and avoiding cold environments helps prevent recurrence.

Q4. Is canalplasty done under local or general anesthesia?
A: It's usually performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and precision.

Q5. Are there visible scars after surgery?
A: If the post-auricular approach is used, a small scar behind the ear may be visible, but it typically fades well over time.

Q6. Can both ears be operated on at the same time?
A: Usually not. Most surgeons prefer to do one ear at a time to preserve hearing during recovery.

Q7. Do I need a referral to see a surgeon for exostosis?
A: In many countries, yes—you’ll need a referral from a general physician to an ENT specialist.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on a real patient experience and is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your ENT or healthcare provider before making any decisions.