A Retrospective Review of Outcomes and Complications after Infant Ear Molding at a Single Institution

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and complications associated with infant ear molding at a single institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all infants who underwent ear molding using the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System with pediatric plastic surgery from October 2010 to March 2021. Types of ear anomalies, age at initiation, duration of treatment, gaps in treatment, comorbidities, and complications were extracted for included patients. The primary outcomes assessed were degree of ear anomaly correction and incidence of skin complications. Parents were also sent a questionnaire regarding their long-term satisfaction with the ear molding treatment process. RESULTS: A total of 184 ears of 114 patients meeting inclusion criteria were treated during the study period. Mean age at treatment initiation was 21 days, and average duration of treatment was 40 days. Helical rim deformities (N = 50 ears) and lop ear (N = 40 ears) were the most common anomalies. A total of 181 ears (98.4%) achieved either a complete (N = 125 ears, 67.9%) or partial correction (N = 56 ears, 30.4%). The most common complications were eczematous dermatitis (N = 27 occurrences among 25 ears, 13.6%) and pressure ulcers (N = 23 occurrences among 21 ears, 12.5%). Infants who experienced a complication were 3.36 times more likely to achieve partial relative to complete correction (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval 1.66–6.81). CONCLUSION: Ear molding is an effective treatment strategy for infant ear anomalies, with most patients achieving complete correction.