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Living with External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome

A rare inherited condition present at birth with blocked ear canals, foot shape differences, and wide-set eyes.

Understanding External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome

External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome is a rare genetic condition with three main features present at birth.

The three features are partly or fully blocked ear canals on both sides, a foot bone (the talus) that sits in a vertical position in both feet, and eyes set farther apart than usual. It is seen in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Missing or blocked ear canal
  • Hearing loss
  • Wide-set eyes (hypertelorism)
  • Curved little finger (clinodactyly)
  • Foot bone in a vertical position (vertical talus)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which hearing tests and devices could help my child?
Will the feet need treatment?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it. GARD does not name the gene.

Genetic

Also known as: external auditory canal, bilateral atresia of, with congenital vertical talus; rasmussen-johnsen-thomsen syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndromeGARD ID 4638 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome.

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