Aural Atresia Repair

Aural atresia refers to the absence of an external ear canal. When someone has aural atresia, there is a high incidence of malformation of the external ear and middle ear also, but the inner ear and auditory nerve are frequently normal. It is important not to forget the "normal" ear in patients who have one-sided Atresia as approximately 25% of these individuals may have a hearing loss in their best side also.

A narrowed ear canal (i.e. one where the eardrum can be viewed, but the canal is narrower than normal) is sometimes referred to as a stenotic canal, or canal stenosis.  Aural atresia most commonly effects just one ear (unilateral aural atresia), but can occur both ears (bilateral aural atresia).

Atresia Repair surgery is to create a normal sized ear canal from either a stenotic canal or complete aural atresia is known as an "atresia repair" and is sometimes also referred to as a canalplasty.  It can be performed as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight stay.  Frequently, the surgery for the ear canal has to be planned in conjunction with plastic surgery for an associated abnormality of the external ear (microtia).

If your child or loved one is living with aural atresia, please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.