One-Year Outcomes of Ear Molding for Infants with Constricted Ear

Ear molding is a noninvasive treatment that shows promising results for neonatal ear deformations. Little research has been reported evaluating 1-year outcomes or relapse after ear molding for ear malformations. METHODS: One-year molding efficacy for constricted ear, a common malformation that affects the aesthetic appearance of the auricle, was assessed during a single-center, prospective study conducted over a 3-year period (from May of 2017 to April of 2020). Infants with constricted ears were recruited and treated with the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System. Constricted ear classification, age at treatment application, duration of treatment, complications, and parental satisfaction were analyzed. Photographic documentation of the ears was performed before treatment, at treatment termination, and 12 months after treatment to evaluate treatment efficacy and relapse. RESULTS: Sixty patients with 91 constricted ears were recruited. The EarWell Infant Ear Correction System was initiated before 2 weeks of age for 75.0% of these patients. Successful correction was achieved in 85.8% of patients. Early molding initiation (before 14 days of age) resulted in a significantly higher success rate (P = 0.017). Class 1 and class 2 deformities achieved better outcomes than class 3 deformities (P = 0.001). Among the 91 auricles, 37 ears (40.7%) relapsed: 36.3% had mild relapse, 4.4% had moderate relapse, and 0% had severe relapse. The treatment duration for patients with relapse was shorter than for patients without relapse (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Early ear molding is an effective treatment for constricted ear. Sufficient molding duration and consolidation periods are crucial in maintaining treatment effects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.