Conductive Hearing Loss Research Articles

Baseline audiometric assessment of newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

Hearing impairment is one of the most common chief complaints in newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, but baseline audiometric assessments are seldom reported. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hearing impairment in this population through comprehensive audiometric testing and analyse the associated factors. A cohort of 187 newly diagnosed NPC patients were recruited from three hospitals. Pre-treatment comprehensive audiometric assessments, including pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, Eustachian tube function tests and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), were performed to evaluate hearing impairment. Patient characteristics and tumour invasion extent were also recorded. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyse factors associated with hearing impairment. Among the patients, 27.5% of ears showed conductive hearing loss (CHL), 13.6% had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and 10.4% demonstrated mixed hearing loss. Additionally, 43.6% of ears exhibited abnormal tympanograms, 86.1% had Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 77.3% failed the DPOAE test. Multivariable analysis identified subjective hearing symptoms, mastoiditis, and invasion of the tensor veli palatini muscle and Eustachian tube as factors associated with CHL. T stage, mastoiditis, and invasion of the tensor veli palatini muscle and nasal cavity were linked to abnormal tympanograms. T stage, sinusitis, and invasion of the levator veli palatini muscle significantly affected Eustachian tube function, while age influenced both SNHL and DPOAE results. Hearing impairment is prevalent among newly diagnosed NPC patients, with over half exhibiting various forms. Comprehensive baseline audiometric assessment in this population is crucial for developing individualized treatment strategies and enabling early intervention to prevent further hearing deterioration.

Does Hearing Improve Following Primary Cleft Palate Repair?

To establish the effect of cleft palate repair on hearing outcomes in children with glue ear and conductive hearing loss undergoing elective primary palatoplasty. A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent cleft palate repair (isolated cleft palate [CPO], unilateral cleft lip and palate [UCLP], and bilateral CLP [BCLP]) between 2020 and 2022 in a single institution. Patient demographic data and cleft type were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on pre and postoperative audiology reports. A total of 42 children (20 males, 22 females) had cleft palate repair within the study period. The mean age at primary repair was 15.2 months (range: 8-33 months). Seven of the 42 children were syndromic and 4 had Pierre Robin sequence. Preoperatively, 36 patients (86%) were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss. A single patient had hearing aids preoperatively due to severe hearing loss. One patient had grommets inserted at the time of palatoplasty. Postoperatively, all 42 patients attended their follow-up audiology appointments (100%); 20 patients (48%) had improved hearing levels, 18 (43%) had similar hearing levels, and 4 (9%) had worse hearing levels. When stratified by cleft type (25 CPO, 9 BCLP, and 8 UCLP) no difference was noted. Four patients required hearing aids postoperatively. This study confirms that primary cleft palate repair has a positive impact on audiology outcomes in patients with cleft. These findings suggest that primary cleft palate repair may improve hearing at an early stage, possibly by contributing proactively to restoring eustachian tube function and normalizing middle ear ventilation before glue ear and associated conductive hearing loss improve with patient maturity.

Genotypes and clinical phenotypes of pediatric patients with NOG variants: Middle ear surgical outcomes from a Tertiary Center in South Korea.

Although NOG variants are linked to congenital stapes fixation and conductive hearing loss (CHL), little is known about middle ear surgery outcomes and the characteristics of accompanying inner ear anomalies. We explored auditory phenotypes in patients with NOG variants, with a focus on the outcomes of middle ear surgery. This study included 11 patients from five unrelated Korean families harboring NOG variants. Genomic investigations were conducted using whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. The clinical phenotypes, including pre- and postoperative audiological profiles, radiological abnormalities, and other comorbidities, were analyzed. The average age at genetic testing was 8.2 years (range, 0-13 years). Two previously reported NOG variants (c.509C>T:p.Pro170Leu and c.252dup:p.Glu85ArgfsTer97) and three novel NOG variants, including the c.187G>T: p.Glu63Ter and two cryptic large deletion within the 17q22.2 region, were identified. All patients exhibited non-progressive CHL. Inner ear anomalies were documented in two patients, with variations such as cochlea and vestibular dysplasia. In this study, seven ears of four patients underwent stapedotomy, resulting in a significantly reduced air-bone gap of 10.18±1.48dB(P=0.016), with sustained improvement. Conversely, patients carrying p.Pro170Leu variant, which is associated with poor outcomes for middle ear surgery, were excluded from surgical consideration. We expanded the spectrum of genotypes and auditory phenotypes associated with NOG variants. Surgical intervention for CHL underlying NOG variants elicits favorable outcomes. However, clinicians should consider the potential for poor prognosis in certain NOG variants. Collectively, identifying NOG variants could guide the treatment strategies to improve CHL.

Hearing Loss in Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Hearing loss is considered common in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), with a few prior studies reporting a 32%-78% prevalence; mild-moderate conductive hearing loss has been reported most commonly. Overall, however, there remains a paucity of data regarding the frequency, type, age, and progression of hearing loss in children with 22q11.2DS. Retrospective chart review was completed, and data combined for two large 22q centers. Inclusion criteria were children with 22q11.2DS and a documented audiogram. Data extracted included a laboratory-confirmed chromosome 22q11.2 deletion; co-morbidities; results of all audiograms and radiologic temporal bone imaging; and otologic surgical procedures. One thousand seven hundred sixty-nine charts were reviewed; 775 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 563 (73%) children had at least one abnormal audiogram demonstrating hearing loss. A total of 2,536 audiograms were reviewed; 74% of these showed abnormal hearing in at least one ear. Most of the hearing loss was conductive (right ear 76%; left ear 69%) and mild severity. For the children with SNHL, 90% of all follow-up audiograms were stable without progression. Hearing loss was identified across all pediatric age ranges. Ear tube placement occurred in 39% of children. This study confirms the high incidence of hearing loss for children with 22q11.2DS at some point in their childhood. In our cohort, hearing loss occurred in 73% of children and was most often conductive and mild in severity. The results highlight the importance of otolaryngology and audiology involvement in managing children with 22q11.2DS for timely diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. 4 Laryngoscope, 135:929-934, 2025.

Association between subtypes of diabetes and special sensations: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions of individuals, is divided into type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), each with unique pathophysiological characteristics. While the impact of diabetes on vision is established, its relationship with other special senses, balance, hearing, and olfaction, remains uncertain. This study utilized a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the associations between diabetes subtypes and specific sensory disorders. We performed MR analysis using various methods (inverse variance weighting [IVW], MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, weighted median, MR-PRESSO) to assess the causal relationships between diabetes subtypes and sensory disorders (vestibular dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and olfactory dysfunction). Different diabetes genome-wide association studies datasets were utilized for validation. MR analysis revealed no significant correlations between T1D or T2D and the sensory disorders studied. Interestingly, an initial signal suggested that T1D might increase the risk of conductive hearing loss (IVW: odds ratio = 1.120, 95% CI: 1.035-1.211, P = .005), but this finding was not supported by validation studies. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity was found (P > .05). Our MR analysis and subsequent validation revealed no significant associations between diabetes subtypes and special senses. The initial suggestion of an increased risk of conductive hearing loss in T1D patients was not confirmed. Future research should further explore the intricate relationships among diabetes, sensory functions, and other factors, as well as the potential effects of diabetes management on sensory health.

Vision Loss in an Infantryman With Complex Hearing Loss: Case Report and Review of Susac Syndrome.

Susac syndrome can resemble various disorders resulting in a delayed or missed diagnosis and subsequent delays in treatment. Here, we present how successful consideration of patient history, symptoms, and ancillary testing led to prompt diagnosis and treatment of Susac syndrome by ophthalmologists. A 27-year-old active duty infantryman presented with sudden vision loss in the right eye during strenuous exercise after experiencing similar symptoms in the left eye 5 months earlier. The patient's medical history was notable for mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, confounded by a history of concussions, syncope, frequent ear infections, tympanic membrane perforation requiring tympanoplasty, and loud noise exposures. Identification of branch retinal artery occlusions on fluorescein angiography and low-to-mid frequency hearing loss confirmed the diagnosis of Susac syndrome. The patient was immediately treated with high-dose oral prednisone and subsequently transitioned to rituximab infusions to preserve vision. Susac syndrome should be considered when a patient presents with vision loss, hearing deficits, and or cognitive changes, even if symptoms are separated by time and seemingly attributed to more common causes.

A White Spot Around the Fissula Ante Fenestrum: A New Diagnostic Indicator for Otosclerosis

Background/Objectives: Since we started endoscopic stapes surgery, we have frequently noticed a white spot (WS) with a clear boundary on the bone surface around the fissula ante fenestrum (FAF) in otosclerosis cases. We investigated the significance of this surgical finding. Methods: We enrolled 27 cases of otosclerosis and 28 control cases of conductive hearing loss due to pathologies other than otosclerosis, both operated on endoscopically at the University of Tokyo Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed surgical videos to determine whether WS was present or absent. We examined the incidence of WS in otosclerosis cases and the controls and also in cases of otosclerosis, the presence or absence of WS was compared with the preoperative hearing level, preoperative air–bone gap, vasodilatation on the promontory, and a low-density area on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Results: WS was present in 11 (41%) of 27 cases of otosclerosis but none in 28 control cases. There were no significant differences in patients’ age and gender, the incidence of vasodilatation on the promontory, preoperative hearing level, or preoperative air–bone gap between otosclerosis cases with and without WS. Although a hypodense focus anterior to the oval window was more frequently present on HRCT in otosclerosis cases with WS (82%) than those without WS (56%), the difference in the incidence failed to reach significance (p = 0.10). Conclusions: We observed WS around the FAF only in cases of otosclerosis, indicating that WS is unique in otosclerosis. WS did not correlate with vasodilatation on the promontory, preoperative hearing level, or air–bone gap. A hypodense focus anterior to the oval window on HRCT tends to be more common in otosclerosis cases with WS.

Sensorineural hearing loss in patients with tubotympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media: a prospective study

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as a chronic inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cleft, which presents with recurrent or persistent ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation. Hearing loss associated with CSOM is conductive but sensorineural hearing loss has also been observed which may be due to toxins produced during infection that can damage the hair cells on the basal turn of the cochlea. To study the relationship between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tubotympanic type of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 60 patients of tubotympanic type of CSOM attending the ENT OPD at SMGSH, Jammu after getting (Institutional Ethical Committee) IEC clearance. Results: In the present study, 8 (13.3%) out of 60 patients of tubotympanic or mucosal type of CSOM had SNHL. Conclusions: Although it is a known fact that tubotympanic type of CSOM causes conductive hearing loss due to perforation in the tympanic membrane and ossicular damage but it is concluded from the present study that tubotympanic type of CSOM carries a risk of SNHL in significant percentage of patients. Hence, it is advocated that patients should be made aware of risk of development of SNHL in tubotympanic type of CSOM if left unoperated for a longer duration.

A Preliminary Study of Hearing Loss in Children With Craniosynostosis.

To describe the frequency and types of hearing loss in children with syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Retrospective cohort study. Large tertiary pediatric hospital. Children with craniosynostosis that underwent at least one audiological evaluation between the years of 2010 and 2021 at a single institution. Hearing loss was defined as conductive or permanent (sensorineural or mixed). Of 130 total children examined, 107 (82.3%) had non-syndromic craniosynostosis and 23 (17.7%) had syndromic craniosynostosis. Within the non-syndromic cohort, 77 (72%) had normal hearing and 30 (28%) had hearing loss, of which 21/30 (70%) had conductive hearing loss and 9/30 (30%) had permanent hearing loss. Within the syndromic cohort, two (9.5%) had normal hearing and 21 (90.5%) had hearing loss, of which 16/21 (76.2%) had conductive hearing loss and 5/21 (23.8%) had permanent hearing loss. Multivariable analysis involving syndromic status, anatomical type of craniosynostosis, and medical complexity revealed that patients with syndromic craniosynostosis had higher odds for conductive and permanent hearing loss (49.80 OR, P = .002 and 34.91 OR, P < .05, respectively). Patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis and those with significant medical comorbidities had higher odds for permanent hearing loss (19.50 OR, P = .03 and 23.36 OR, P < .05, respectively). Children with craniosynostosis had high rates of hearing loss, especially those with syndromic or unicoronal craniosynostosis and those with significant medical comorbidities. Twenty-eight percent of patients with non-syndromic craniosynostosis also had hearing loss. Larger prospective studies are necessary to more precisely estimate hearing loss associated with non-syndromic craniosynostosis.

Short-process incudo-stapedioplasty in congenital ear malformation.

Although various stapedotomy and stapedectomy techniques exist, anchoring the piston can be challenging. We present a novel surgical approach for treating congenital stapes malformations with an atypical facial nerve trajectory. This is a case of a 7-year-old boy presenting with bilateral conductive hearing loss. Prior attempts at tympanoplasty had proven unsuccessful in improving his hearing. Presurgical imaging studies revealed an unusual anatomical configuration, with the facial nerve positioned inferior to the oval window. This anatomical variation precluded the use of conventional prosthesis-anchoring techniques typically employed in stapedotomies. Thus, we devised an innovative approach, opting to anchor the prosthesis to the short process of the incus. This novel technique circumvented the atypical course of the facial nerve, allowing for successful reconstruction of the ossicular chain. The patient demonstrated an acceptable improvement (30 dB gain) in hearing 1-year post-surgery, with no reported complications. This case underscores the critical importance of adapting surgical techniques to address the unique anatomical challenges that may arise in the context of congenital ear malformations. It also highlights the potential of the short process of the incus as a viable alternative anchoring site for stapes prostheses, thereby improving the outcomes of such complex cases. This technique not only restored the patient's hearing but also contributed valuable insights into the management of similar cases, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with rare and challenging anatomical variations. 5.

Relationships Between Hearing-Related and Health-Related Variables in Academic Progress of Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss.

School-age children with unilateral hearing loss are at an increased risk of exhibiting academic difficulties. Yet, approximately half of children with unilateral hearing loss will not require additional support. There is a dearth of information to assist in determining which of these children will express academic deficits and which will not. The purpose of this study was to identify hearing- and health-related factors that contribute to adverse educational progress in children with permanent unilateral hearing loss. Specific indicators of academic concern identified during school age included the need for specialized academic services, receipt of speech-language therapy, or parent/teacher concerns for academics or speech-language development. This study provides an in-depth analysis of a previously described patient cohort developed from de-identified electronic health records. Factors of interest included potentially relevant hearing-related risk factors (e.g., degree, type, and laterality of hearing loss), in addition to health-related factors that could be extracted from the electronic health records (e.g., sex, premature birth, history of significant otitis media). Being born preterm, having a history of pressure equalization tubes or having conductive or mixed hearing loss more than doubled the risk of demonstrating adverse educational progress. Laterality and degree of loss were generally not significantly related to academic progress. Approximately half of school-age children with permanent unilateral hearing loss in this cohort experienced some academic challenges. Birth history and middle ear pathology were important predictors of adverse educational progress.

Wideband Absorption for Diagnosing Conductive Hearing Loss: Insights from Middle Ear Pathologies

Wideband Absorption for Diagnosing Conductive Hearing Loss: Insights from Middle Ear Pathologies

Stapedotomy or Stapedectomy: Does It Really Matter?

Introduction Otosclerosis leads to stapes fixation and consequent conductive hearing loss. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, and it can be achieved through small fenestra stapedotomy or stapedectomy. Despite the first being favored by most, evidence supporting its superiority over the latter remains inconclusive. Objective To assess the hearing outcomes and complications of stapes surgery performed in a series of patients with otosclerosis and compare the results of stapedotomy with stapedectomy. Methods A retrospective study of 134 ears in 125 otosclerosis patients undergoing primary stapes surgery was conducted. Patients underwent either stapedotomy or stapedectomy, and outcomes were compared using pre- and postoperative audiometric data and complication rates. Results Most cases (81%) underwent stapedotomy. Both techniques resulted in significant improvement in air-bone gap (ABG) and speech recognition threshold (SRT) postoperatively, with no significant difference between them. Complication rates were comparable between techniques, with no statistical difference in postoperative complications. Conclusion Both stapedotomy and stapedectomy offer favorable hearing outcomes with low complication rates in otosclerosis patients. While stapedotomy remains the preferred technique, if the initial plan shifts to a stapedectomy, surgeons should remain composed and confident in a good hearing outcome.

Hearing Impairment in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review.

Background: With serious oral and systemic implications, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a crippling disorder that is common in some areas, especially among areca nut chewers. A thorough investigation of the relationship between OSMF and hearing impairment is necessary due to the growing evidence that, despite its well-established effects on dental health, there may be a connection. Aim: To investigate the association between OSMF and hearing impairment, particularly the mechanisms behind Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and auditory dysfunction in OSMF patients. Methodology: This systematic review aimed to assess the association between hearing impairment and OSMF using the PICOS framework. A comprehensive search of 1137 articles published between 2015 and 2024 across various databases was conducted, resulting in 18 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data on population demographics, audiological assessments, and outcomes were extracted independently by 3 reviewers. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Risk of bias assessments was conducted to categorize studies as low, moderate, or high risk. Results: The review identified 18 studies examining the link between OSMF and hearing impairment, revealing a significant correlation between OSMF severity and hearing loss. Patient-reported hearing issues ranged from 27.69% to 76.7%. Conductive hearing loss was prevalent, particularly in advanced OSMF stages. Most studies employed pure tone audiometry and tympanometry, highlighting ETD as a common contributor. Quality assessments indicated that most studies had good methodological rigor, with several rated as very good, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluations in understanding the audiological implications of OSMF. Conclusion: There is a substantial association between OSMF and hearing loss, particularly through ETD. Multidisciplinary management and early audiological screening are essential for improving outcomes in OSMF patients.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Maternal Risk Factors of Microtia and Aural Atresia in Kazakhstan.

Introduction Microtia and aural atresia present congenital ear anomalies that affect external ear and are associated with conductive hearing loss. Both anomalies result from exposure to various prenatal risk factors, most common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Objective This study was aimed at epidemiological analysis of microtia/atresia and associated risk factors in the Kazakhstani population. Methods A retrospective study in two stages. First, a cross-sectional analysis of microtia/ atresia frequencies from 2015 to 2019 on the basis of official statistics obtained from the Republican Centre for E-Health. Then, a case-control study was carried out to elucidate maternal risk factors associated with occurrence of microtia/atresia. We recruited patients presented in Almaty, Kazakhstan, between September 2021 and February 2022. Results There was a substantial regional variation in the rates of both aural atresia and microtia/anotia. Mothers of children with microtia disclosed toxoplasmosis, other agents (including HIV, syphilis, varicella), rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex (TORCH) infections during pregnancy more often than those of healthy children (45.8 versus 7.3%; p < 0.001). Exposure to different chemicals during pregnancy was mentioned more frequently by mothers of children with microtia when compared with the healthy controls (18.1 versus 8.1%; p = 0.035). Self-reporting of alcohol consumption and intake of antibiotics was also significantly higher in mothers of children with microtia (31.9 and 36.1% respectively). Conclusion Elucidation of microtia/atresia epidemiology is important due to their imposed social and economic burden, associated with treatment and rehabilitation costs.

Surgical Management of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCDS) is a condition in which the temporal bone covering the superior semicircular canal becomes progressively thinner until it eventually erodes, creating an inner ear “third window” with the intracranial cavity. The result of this dehiscence is a constellation of symptoms, including sound- and pressure-induced vertigo, autophony, hyperacusis for internal bodily sounds, and low-frequency conductive hearing loss (CHL). By using imaging, audiologic evaluation, and vestibular testing, audiologists and otolaryngologists can differentially diagnose SSCDS and determine course of treatment. Management options involve observation or surgery. In patients with minimal symptoms, observation is safe. In patients with severe symptoms, surgery via a transmastoid approach or middle fossa approach to plug or resurface the superior canal defect may be performed.

The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Repair of Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Introduction Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high platelet concentration and growth factors that help in rapid wound healing, hemostasis, and decreased scarring. It has been used in various conditions to aid in healing, but its use in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is not yet common. Objective To compare the outcome of using PRP with myringoplasty with that of myringoplasty alone in the repair of tympanic membrane perforations. Methods Sixty-eight patients in the 16-to-50 years age group with tympanic membrane perforation of 3 months duration, with dry ear for 6 weeks, and mild to-moderate conductive hearing loss were selected and divided by simple randomization into 2 equal groups. A thorough preoperative evaluation was done. In group A, patients underwent myringoplasty, and in group B, patients underwent myringoplasty with PRP. Patients were followed up for 3 months postsurgery. Results At 6 weeks, 67.6 and 94.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively ( p -value 0.011). At 3 months, 85.3 and 97.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively ( p -value 0.197). The mean pure tone audiometry difference in group A was 8.35 ± 2.05, and 11.00 ± 2.28 in group B ( p < 0.001). The mean air-bone gap difference for group A was 8.29 ± 2.14, and 10.76 ± 2.36 for group B ( p < 0.001). Graft uptake rate at 6 weeks, pure tone audiometry, and air-bone gap difference were statistically significant. Conclusion The present study results showed that the use of PRP during myringoplasty aids healing of the tympanic membrane with better hearing improvement in the postoperative period when compared to myringoplasty alone.

Conductive hearing loss does not affect spatial learning and memory in middle-aged guinea pigs

Hearing loss (HL) in mid-life has been suggested as a risk factor for cognitive decline. It is unclear whether this relationship is due to deprivation of auditory input alone, degenerative processes, or a combination. Animal models are useful to investigate underlying neural mechanisms as human studies can be confounded by various factors. However, most animal studies use young animals and often exclude females. We used middle-aged guinea pigs of both sexes to investigate whether 8 weeks of auditory deprivation due to conductive HL caused spatial learning and memory impairments. Forty guinea pigs (20 M, 20 F, ~ 12 months) were tested in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) to assess baseline spatial learning and memory. In 20 of these animals (10 M, 10 F) the ear canal was plugged and 8 weeks later, animals were again assessed in MWM. No deficits in spatial learning or memory were observed in either sex. HL caused a small decline in body weight suggesting some stress associated with conductive HL, although adrenal weight, corrected for body weight, did not change. Our data suggest that auditory input deprivation alone does not affect spatial cognition in middle-age, in line with recent human data suggesting that additional risk factors need to be present.

An Oropharyngeal Accessory Tragus in a Young Patient With Conductive Hearing Loss.

In this report, we describe the first reported case of an oropharyngeal accessory tragus in a 20-year-old female presenting with moderate to severe left-sided conductive hearing loss. This case shares rare developmental anomalies to consider when diagnosing oropharyngeal masses that highlight the intricate embryological development of the head and neck region.

Laser Ablation of an Isolated External Auditory Canal Skin Wedge

Introduction: External ear malformations represent a spectrum of congenital anomalies that may involve the external auditory canal (EAC), tympanic membrane (TM), or associated structures. A rare anomaly, the EAC skin wedge, results from incomplete canalization during embryologic development. This report presents the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical management of this condition. Objective: To detail the successful surgical management of an isolated EAC skin wedge and demonstrate the applicability of argon laser in treating these congenital anomalies. Methods: A 13-month-old female presented with recurrent otitis media and mild bilateral conductive hearing loss. Physical examination revealed a fan-like skin wedge spanning the EAC to the TM. Imaging with temporal bone computed tomography confirmed the extent of the anomaly. Under general anesthesia, the skin wedge was ablated using an argon laser, followed by antibiotic-soaked packing to prevent scarring and recurrence. Follow-up audiometry and endoscopic evaluations assessed outcomes. Results: The procedure was well-tolerated, with no intraoperative complications. At 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, no recurrence of the skin wedge was observed, and audiometry normalized. The patient demonstrated improved middle ear ventilation and resolution of conductive hearing loss. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the successful use of argon laser in the management of a rare congenital EAC anomaly. Argon lasers offer precise ablation and excellent hemostasis, making them a valuable option for similar cases. This report emphasizes the importance of tailored surgical approaches for rare pediatric ear malformations.