The malleus is a hammer-shaped bone in the middle ear. It is also known as the “hammer” or “mallet" and is the largest of three small bones in this part of the ear. (Malleus in Latin means "hammer.") ...

Cysts can form in the ear canal. These are lumps formed by a buildup of oil or skin cells that form beneath the skin. A cholesteatoma is another type of abnormal growth that can form near the eardrum.