Cholesteatomas are found almost exclusively in the middle ear and mast
oid. Occasionally this disease is seen in the external auditory canal.
Cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal is a rare condition. Sev
ere pain and profuse discharge associated with a normal eardrum and no
rmal hearing are essential clinical features. In addition, we found fa
cial paresis and conductive hearing loss in our case. Smaller choleste
atomas can be managed by frequent debridement in the office; larger le
sions require surgical intervention. Surgery is successful in resolvin
g otorrhea and relieving pain. In addition, our own experience has sho
wn that surgery is successful in relieving facial paresis.