Ossiculoplasty in Congenital Aural Atresia

The need for ossiculoplasty in the repair of congenital aural atresia (CAA) is rare, occurring approximately 5% to 8% of patients. Predicting the need for ossiculoplasty in CAA repair based on high resolution computed tomography imaging is challenging. The technique is similar to traditional ossiculoplasty methods, with a prosthesis placed onto a mobile stapes bone extending up to a reconstructed tympanic membrane. Hearing results can be variable, but are, in general, inferior to reconstruction with the patient's native ossicular chain. This article describes the indications, technique, and surgical and hearing results of ossiculoplasty in the repair of congenital aural atresia.