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The 'ear canal' ('external auditory meatus', 'external acoustic meatus'), is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear. The ear canal extends from the pinna to the eardrum and is about 26 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter.

Contents

Size and shape

Disorders

References

Additional images

External links

Size and shape

The ear canal is approximately 25mm long and 8mm in diameter. Size and shape of the canal vary among individuals. This is an important factor to consider when fitting hearing protectors.

Disorders

The ear canal, because of its relative exposure to the outside world, is a common victim of diseases and other disorders. Some disorders include:

★ Otitis externa (swimmer's ear), bacteria-caused inflammation of the ear canal

★ Contact dermatitis of the ear canal

★ Ear fungus

★ Ear myiasis, an extremely rare infestation of maggots

★ Bone exposure, caused by the wearing away of skin in the canal

★ Granuloma, a scar usually caused by tympanostomy tubes

★ Stenosis, a gradual closing of the canal

★ Foreign body in ear

References

1.

Additional images

External links

★ Veterans Health Administration web site

★ OSHA web site

★ Continuing Medical Education Ear Photographs

★ Otoscopy Tutorial w/ Images

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