Petersson RS, Recker CA, Martin JRK, Driscoll CLW, Friedman O. Identification of congenital auricular deformities during newborn hearing screening allows for non-surgical correction: a Mayo Clinic pilot study.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2012;
76:1406-12. [PMID:
22770593 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijporl.2012.06.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a Mayo Clinic pilot study in which newborn hearing screeners are trained to identify congenital auricular deformities, allowing for non-surgical correction with a simple splint initiated in the immediate neonatal period.
METHODS
Newborn hearing screeners received education on evaluation of congenital auricular deformities. Ten infants with 19 affected ears amenable to treatment with a simple splint were enrolled between June 15 and December 10, 2009. Splinting was initiated prior to the infant's discharge from the hospital.
RESULTS
Congenital auricular deformities amenable to correction with splinting included cup ear, Stahl's ear, and prominent ear. All ears were assessed by physical examination and photographic documentation prior to splinting and at follow-up visits. All exhibited improvement from the original deformity after 1-4 weeks of splinting. There were no instances of skin irritation or breakdown.
CONCLUSION
Splinting therapy of congenital auricular deformities is very effective when initiated within the first 3 days of life while cartilage is quite malleable. Newborn hearing screening is performed within 24-48 h of birth and is an ideal opportunity to identify auricular deformities. This pilot study shows that early identification of auricular deformities by properly educated newborn hearing screeners is feasible, allowing for successful initiation of splinting therapy.
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