Vibrant SoundBridge combined with auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia

ObjectivesTo report an integrating surgical method of Vibrant SoundBridge (VSB) implant and auricle reconstruction.Methods4 cases of congenital bilateral external/middle ear malformation were enrolled. All of them were diagnosed as bilateral bony atresia and grade III microtia. Stapes vibroplasty was performed for all subjects in one operation with auricle reconstruction stage 3. The clinical information and hearing outcomes were analyzed.ResultsSatisfied aesthetic outcomes were confirmed by sculptured outline and symmetric shape on both sides. Mean improvement in hearing threshold with VSB activation was 25.9 dB HL, while mean scores of speech recognition test were 21.8-46.3%.ConclusionCombined surgical method of VSB implant and aesthetic reconstruction is safe and efficient for congenital external/middle ear malformation case.