[The application of domestic ear molding system in bilateral neonatal congenital ear malformation].

Objective

To discuss the treatment outcome and advantages of domestic ear molding system in the treatment of bilateral neonatal congenital aural malformation.

Methods

Newborns diagnosed with bilateral congenital aural malformation were treated using the domestic ear molding system. For each subject, one ear wore a set of domestic ear molding system, while the contralateral ear used only matching Retractor and Antihelix Former. Treatment outcomes were graded in terms of auricular morphology. Medical charts were reviewed to collect data on the types of congenital aural malformation, the incidence of complications, the initiation and duration of treatment, as well as the satisfaction after treatment. Treatment outcomes were graded into three levels: excellent, good, and poor, according to the improvement of auricular morphology evaluated by both physicians and parents, respectively.

Results

A total of 25 cases（50 ears） were treated with the domestic ear molding system, which contains 11 cases with Stahl's ears（14 ears）, 10 case with helical deformities（11 ears）, 4 cases with cup ears（8 ears）, and 15 cases with lop-ear（17 ears）. All infants accomplished the correction completely. Both parents and doctors were satisfied with the outcomes. No obvious complication was observed.

Conclusion

Ear molding is an effective nonsurgical treatment for congenital aural malformation. Molding with Retractor and Antihelix Former is simple and effective. Domestic ear molding system can be flexibly used in correcting bilateral congenital aural malformation. With this approach, infants with bilateral congenital aural malformation may benefit more in the near future.