A low-cost self-assembled external auditory canal-tympanic membrane model for early-stage endoscopic ear surgery...

Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) offers advantages over microscopic techniques but remains challenging for beginners, particularly due to one-handed operation and limited access to training. This study aimed to develop a low-cost, self-assembled model and preliminarily evaluate its feasibility and usability for early-stage EES training.

An external auditory canal-tympanic membrane (EAC-TM) model was constructed using readily available materials (e.g., paper straw and polyethylene film). Fifteen otolaryngology trainees (postgraduate years 1-7) participated in a 2-h training session involving three basic EES tasks (cerumen removal, tympanocentesis, and ventilation tube insertion). Self-reported confidence and participant perceptions of model usability and educational value were assessed before and after training using 5-point Likert scales.

Most participants had prior experience with cerumen removal but limited experience with endoscopic tympanocentesis, ventilation tube insertion, and more advanced procedures. Self-reported confidence scores were significantly higher after training for tympanocentesis (median 3 to 4, p = 0.004) and ventilation tube insertion (median 2 to 4, p = 0.003), whereas confidence in cerumen removal remained high with no significant change (p = 0.374). Participants also reported high satisfaction and positive perceptions of the model, particularly regarding endoscopic instrument handling and hand-eye coordination.

The EAC-TM model provides a low-cost, self-assembled platform for early-stage EES training. It provides an accessible environment for repetitive practice of fundamental endoscopic skills and may serve as an accessible training resource, particularly in resource-limited and self-directed learning settings. Further evaluation using objective performance assessment and clinical transfer outcomes will help clarify its educational value.