Effect of External Ear Deformity on Hearing in Wrestlers

Abstract

Purpose: Cauliflower ear in wrestlers can lead to hearing impairment. This study primarily aims to assess the hearing of wrestlers with bilateral cauliflower ears and determine their external ear canal (EEC) resonance frequencies. Our second aim is to evaluate their hearing quality, speech, and spatial perception. Method: This study included 28 male wrestlers aged 18–35 years with bilateral cauliflower ears, as well as 27 male participants in the control group with no wrestling history. The participants' hearing thresholds were determined across the frequency range of 125–16000 Hz for air-conduction and 500–4000 Hz for bone conduction. EEC resonance frequencies were measured. Additionally, all participants completed the Turkish version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Results: Wrestlers with cauliflower ears exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds, particularly at frequencies above 4000 Hz ( p < .05). Analysis of EEC resonance showed a shift to higher frequencies in the second resonance peak of the right ear ( p < .001) and the first resonance peak of the left ear ( p = .045). SSQ scores revealed that wrestlers had higher spatial perception ( p = .046), hearing quality ( p = .004), and general scores ( p = .042) in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: Blunt traumas in wrestlers, leading to cauliflower ear, can result in hearing loss. Moreover, deformities in the external ear affect the resonance frequencies of the EEC. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for the use of ear protection equipment among wrestlers. When fitting hearing aids, attention should be given to changes in the EEC resonance frequency.