[Diagnosis and treatment for congenital ossicular chain malformations: current status, challenges, and future prospects].

Congenital ossicular chain malformation constitutes a pivotal etiological factor in conductive hearing loss. Despite its relatively low clinical incidence, the diagnosis and management of this condition persist as a formidable challenge in contemporary otological practice. In recent years, the expeditious evolution of high-resolution imaging modalities, minimally invasive endoscopic surgical techniques, innovative artificial ossicular prostheses, advanced hearing implant systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted clinical decision-making frameworks has precipitated a paradigm shift in diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. This article systematically elaborates on the diagnostic strategies, therapeutic modalities, and future research directions pertaining to congenital ossicular chain malformation, with the overarching goal of advancing the precision and individualization of clinical care for affected populations.