Management of patients with unilateral microtia and aural atresia: recent advances and updates

The management of patients with unilateral microtia and aural atresia is complex. Recent literature suggests significant strides in hearing habilitation and ear reconstruction.

Several options of hearing management are available and are associated with improved outcomes. Timelines for hearing habilitation and ear reconstruction vary by institution. We offer our timeline as a reference. Three dimensional (3D) printed models are increasingly used for training and reconstruction. Bioprinting is on the horizon, though safety and effectiveness studies are pending. Lastly, application of qualitative methods has provided a foundation on which to improve communication between physicians and patients and their families. Better understanding of the patient and family experiences will provide opportunities to target interventions to improve care.

Current developments include expanding options for hearing management, changing approaches to timing of atresiaplasty, utilization of 3D printed models, and focus on patient and family experience to improve reconstructive outcomes.