Vibrant SoundBridge combined with auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia.

OBJECTIVES

To report an integrating surgical method of Vibrant SoundBridge (VSB) implant and auricle reconstruction.

METHODS

4 cases of congenital bilateral external/middle ear malformation were enrolled. All of them were diagnosed as bilateral bony atresia and grade III microtia. Stapes vibroplasty was performed for all subjects in one operation with auricle reconstruction stage 3. The clinical information and hearing outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Satisfied aesthetic outcomes were confirmed by sculptured outline and symmetric shape on both sides. Mean improvement in hearing threshold with VSB activation was 25.9 dB HL, while mean scores of speech recognition test were 21.8-46.3%.

CONCLUSION

Combined surgical method of VSB implant and aesthetic reconstruction is safe and efficient for congenital external/middle ear malformation case.