TITLE:
Congenital Malformation of the Ear in a Child Revealed by a Screening for Deafness in Rural Senegal: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Kadielle Junie Ndadi Tchiengang, Tuspin Nicefor Loumandet Deba, Sandra Yowa Muya, Eliada Victoire Tchiengang, Amadou Yeri Camara, Evelyne Siga Diom
KEYWORDS:
Congenital Malformation, External Auditory Canal Atresia, Childhood Hearing Loss Screening, Rural Health, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery,
Vol.14 No.5,
September
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Congenital aural atresia of the external auditory canal (EAC) is an uncommon malformation, frequently associated with auricular or middle ear anomalies. When isolated, it may remain undiagnosed until late childhood, particularly in resource-limited settings. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl from rural Senegal, identified during a community-based hearing screening campaign. She presented with academic delay but no speech impairment. Clinical examination showed unilateral partial atresia of the left EAC without auricular deformity. Pure-tone audiometry revealed a moderate left-sided conductive hearing loss (average threshold: 43.75 dB). Temporal bone computed tomography demonstrated no associated middle or inner ear malformations. This report underlines the relevance of systematic childhood hearing screening, especially in rural and underserved regions where congenital malformations frequently remain unrecognized. Early detection facilitates appropriate management and supports academic and social development.