Final answer:
The term for the closure of the external auditory canal is atresia, which can lead to hearing impairment by obstructing sound transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
This condition involves the absence or closure of the ear canal's external opening and can lead to hearing impairment due to the obstruction of sound wave transmission to the middle and inner ear structures. Otosclerosis refers to the abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that can cause hearing loss. Otitis is the inflammation of the ear, typically affecting the middle ear (otitis media) or the ear canal (otitis externa). Stenosis refers to the narrowing of a body channel or opening, which in the context of the ear could partially obstruct the auditory canal, but not necessarily fully close it.