Evaluation of appearance-related distress after canaloplasty using the DAS-24 questionnaire

Background: The main purpose of the canaloplasty is hearing improvement. But there are needs for evaluation of the esthetic or psychosocial effects of canaloplasty.Aims/Objectives: This study investigated the esthetic influence of canaloplasty, with regard to the creation of a patent external auditory canal.Materials and methods: We enrolled 34 patients diagnosed with microtia and congenital aural atresia (CAA). All patients underwent canaloplasty and Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS) questionnaire was used to evaluate patients' distress due to their appearance. A general self-consciousness score (GSC) of DAS was evaluated and compared preoperatively, and postoperatively with the audiological outcomes.Results: Preoperatively, the GSC scores were higher in individuals 12 years or older compared to those of patients less than 12 years of age. One year postoperatively, the GSC score significantly decreased from 27.02(±6.0) to 21.76(±6.0). In detailed item analysis, the postoperative GSC score significantly improved in 8 items. The preoperative mean air-bone gap (ABG) of 49.88 dB decreased to a mean of 28.09 dB at 6 months and to 29.02 dB at 1 year postoperatively.Conclusion and significance: Canaloplasty is a procedure that not only improves hearing in patients with CAA, but also effectively reduces patients' distress due to their appearance.