What is the term used when the ear canal is blocked?

Atresia is the term used to describe a condition where the ear canal is absent or blocked. This can occur due to developmental issues during fetal growth, resulting in an incomplete formation of the ear canal. Individuals with atresia may experience hearing loss because sound cannot enter the ear properly. This condition directly impacts the ability to transmit sound waves to the eardrum and middle ear, making it essential to recognize in the field of audiology and hearing health.

In contrast, otosclerosis refers to a condition that affects the bones in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss due to abnormal bone growth. Tinnitus describes the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which can occur independently of any obstruction in the ear canal. Auditory processing disorder relates to difficulties in processing auditory information despite normal hearing ability, which also does not involve a blockage of the ear canal. Recognizing these distinctions is important for understanding various hearing impairments and their implications.