Nonsurgical Correction of Congenital Auricular Anomalies: Design and Effectiveness of the Ear Splint

Abstract

Summary: Congenital auricular anomaly is a common problem for newborns. In recent years, the correction technology of ear molding has gradually become the mainstream therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this case report is to describe ear molding devices with low-temperature thermoplastic splints, designed by occupational therapists and called the Ear Splint for Taiwan, and to explore its effectiveness in treating newborns with congenital auricular anomalies. The ear splint is made by an occupational therapist based on the theory of corrective mechanics. The molded splint adjusts the ear to normal shape. Patients who received ear treatments at the Mennonite Christian Hospital in 2020 were enrolled as the subjects. A posttest research design was adopted in this case report to conduct a questionnaire survey among parents. The ear splint is a double C-shaped bracket. In this case report, there were two subjects in total, and two different types of malformed ears. According to the questionnaire survey, the average score of auricle shape improvement effectiveness after interventions were 5 and 4 points (5 excellent; 1 bad). The results of this case report indicate that it is feasible for occupational therapists to use the ear splint to mold the congenital auricular anomalies of newborns. Preliminary evidence shows that ear shapes can be corrected. The ear splint provides an early interventional therapy for newborns with congenital auricular anomalies in Taiwan.