A blue tooth - auricular prosthesis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Prosthetics
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Congenital or acquired ear tissue deficiency presents significant aesthetic and psychosocial challenges.
• Treatment options include surgical reconstruction or prosthetic rehabilitation, with patient preference guiding the choice.
• Retention of auricular prostheses is a critical factor for successful prosthetic rehabilitation.

Observation:

• A 25-year-old male with deficient left auricular tissue opted for prosthetic rehabilitation.
• The patient's choice necessitated a focus on effective and reliable retention methods.
• A novel technique was developed to integrate a Bluetooth headset device within the prosthesis.

Findings:

• A mechanically retained auricular prosthesis was fabricated using silicone elastomer.
• A Bluetooth headset device was successfully embedded into the silicone elastomer of the auricular prosthesis.
• This innovative approach enhances retention and offers functional benefits.

Implications:

• This technique offers a simple, cost-effective solution for auricular reconstruction.
• Embedding functional devices like Bluetooth headsets can improve patient compliance and satisfaction.
• The approach highlights the potential for integrating technology into custom medical prosthetics for enhanced patient outcomes.