Duplicated External Ear Canal

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital anomalies involving the first branchial cleft are uncommon and may occasionally present as a duplicated external auditory canal. These developmental disruptions, stemming from incomplete closure of the cleft during embryogenesis, can result in symptoms such as chronic otorrhea, recurrent external ear infections, and varying degrees of hearing impairment. Case Presentation: We describe a male infant, aged 18 months, who exhibited an accessory external auditory canal along with a cutaneous tag near the right ear opening. Audiological assessments, including auditory brainstem response (ABR), identified mild conductive hearing loss in the right ear and moderate to severe mixed-type hearing loss on the left. These findings highlight the diagnostic value of early hearing evaluations in patients with rare congenital ear malformations. Conclusions: Duplication of the external auditory canal is a rare but clinically significant condition with potential for substantial auditory compromise. Prompt recognition and regular hearing assessments are essential to guide appropriate interventions. Depending on the anatomical and functional severity, management options may include surgical correction and hearing rehabilitation strategies.