The authors report on 6 years of experience in exostosis and osteoma of the external auditory canal. The surgery comprised 24 procedures on 19 patients. Fourteen biopsies have been taken. Microscopical examination proved exostosis in 10 cases, osteoma in two cases, Albers- Schönberg disease (osteopetrosis), while one specimen was not diagnosed. The histological findings corresponded to clinical symptoms. Etiology, histology, and differential diagnosis of exostosis and osteoma of the external auditory canal are discussed. The complications of surgery are reviewed. Surgery should be reserved for those cases of external ear canal exostoses in which conservative treatment of recurrent concomitant inflammatory complications fails.

        Key words: exostosis, osteoma, external ear canal.