Volumetric Changes in the Bony External Auditory Canal in Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media

Pneumatization of air cells in the mastoid bone is decreased in chronic otitis media (COM). A decrease in the size of the external auditory canal (EAC) is also found frequently in patients with COM, but this has been little studied. We compared the size of affected bony EACs and the contralateral side in patients with single-side COM using high-resolution computed tomography.

In total, 99 patients with single-side COM were included. Four indicators related to the size of the bony EAC and IAC were measured using high-resolution computed tomography: the axial and coronal lengths of the tympanic membrane, the length of the isthmus, and the area of the bony ear canal. We also compared both internal auditory canals as negative controls. These assessments were made by radiologists who were blinded to the objective of this study.

In patients with single-side COM, the axial length of the tympanic membrane was significantly shorter than normal, and the volume of the EAC was also significantly smaller. The length of the isthmus of the EAC was shorter on the affected side, but the difference was not significant. The IAC volume showed no difference between the two sides.

COM affects general temporal bony development, including the bony EAC and mastoid bone. Therefore, whether to correct this should be considered when preparing for COM surgery.