Question
My daughter is ten years old and has been diagnosed with congenital preauricular sinus, which has been present for six years. Recently, her ear has become inflamed, draining a thick liquid, and is extremely painful. I am worried that her hearing might be affected.
Answer
Congenital preauricular sinus is caused by bacterial infection. Treatment should first involve the thorough elimination of inflammation, followed by surgical removal of the sinus after the redness, swelling, heat, and pain have subsided. This condition usually does not damage hearing as it does not affect the eardrum, so hearing is not impacted. It is recommended to undergo surgery after inflammation has been treated to prevent incomplete treatment leading to recurrent infections.