선천 외이도 폐쇄증의 소개와 치료의 최신기전

Abstract

The aural atresia is an ear malformation involving different degrees of incomplete external ear canal development. An actual external ear canal is desirable, but recent advances in devices that could replace the canal are promising. Preoperative evaluation and appropriate management are essential. Due to the complexity of anatomy, especially in congenital cases, and variable outcomes, surgical correction is often not the preferred treatment; the hearing outcome is no better than the outcomes afforded by bone-conduction devices, and surgery may be associated with recurrence or complications such as meatal stenosis. Several methods to prevent meatal stenosis are discussed in this review. In addition, an optimal surgical technique is required for both canaloplasty and bone conduction hearing device implantation. Here, we reviewed useful operative techniques and hearing outcome comparisons between canaloplasty and bone conduction hearing devices.