Otology

Exostoses of the external auditory canal in white-water kayakers†

  1. Ryan D. Moore BS1,
  2. Theodore A. Schuman MD1,
  3. Theresa A. Scott MS2,
  4. Scott E. Mann MD3,
  5. Mario A. Davidson PhD2,
  6. Robert F. Labadie MD, PhD1,*

Article first published online: 11 JAN 2010

DOI: 10.1002/lary.20781

Issue

The Laryngoscope

The Laryngoscope

Volume 120, Issue 3, pages 582–590, March 2010

Additional Information

How to Cite

Moore, R. D., Schuman, T. A., Scott, T. A., Mann, S. E., Davidson, M. A. and Labadie, R. F. (2010), Exostoses of the external auditory canal in white-water kayakers. The Laryngoscope, 120: 582–590. doi: 10.1002/lary.20781

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee

  2. 2

    Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee

  3. 3

    Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Health and Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.

*Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 7209 Medical Center East, South Tower, 1215 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-8605

  1. †

    This work was supported by the Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Emphasis Program; Deckers Outdoor Corporation/Teva Sports Sandals (material support only); and American Whitewater (material support only).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 16 FEB 2010
  2. Article first published online: 11 JAN 2010
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 19 OCT 2009
  4. Manuscript Revised: 14 OCT 2009
  5. Manuscript Received: 17 JUL 2009

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Keywords:

  • Exostoses/epidemiology;
  • United States/epidemiology;
  • water/adverse effects;
  • cold temperature/adverse effects;
  • prevalence;
  • risk factors;
  • prevention;
  • cross-sectional studies;
  • kayaking;
  • ear canal/pathology

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis.

Exostoses of the external auditory canal are benign bony tumors associated with frequent cold-water exposure. Obstruction may lead to conductive hearing loss and recurrent otitis externa, requiring surgical correction when symptoms become intolerable. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence of exostoses in white-water kayakers and identify associated risk factors and protective measures.

Study Design.

Cross-sectional.

Methods.

Six hundred eleven white-water kayakers from across the United States were included in the study. Percent occlusion was graded as minimal (<25%), moderate (25%–75%) or severe (>75%). Subjects completed a survey of risk factors and protective measures. Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests were performed to determine significant associations with percent occlusion. A multivariate proportional odds regression model was fit to adjust for confounding between the variables.

Results.

The prevalence of exostoses in kayakers was 79% (482/611); 13% (78/611) had ≥75% occlusion. Percent occlusion was associated with total years kayaked (P < .001), frequency ≥1 day/week (P < .001), male gender (P < .001), and increasing age (P = .005), although frequency, gender, and age were confounded by total years. Styles that involve repeated submersion were also associated with greater occlusion (freestyle, P = .036; squirt, P = .016). Subjects who used earplugs for a greater proportion of their kayaking career were less likely to have exostoses (P < .001). When adjusted for confounding, only total years (P = .0003) and age (P = .0027) remained significant.

Conclusions.

Kayakers are the first inland population to experience exostoses at the rates seen in coastal populations (e.g., surfers). When used long-term, earplugs may be protective. Laryngoscope, 2010

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