Non-surgical Correction of Congenital Ear Anomalies: A Review of the Literature

Reply: “Nonsurgical Correction of Congenital Ear Anomalies: A Review of the Literature”

“…In fact, hearing impairment in combination with external ear anomalies is usually syndromic or associated with malformations, such as microtia, rather than with deformations. 2 Psychosocial consequences, however, have been reported in multiple studies in the case of ear anomalies. 3 The influence of otoplasty on these psychosocial consequences has been researched and has shown that in some cases, the effects of bullying and social isolation due to the ear anomalies will last even beyond achieving correction, 4 despite usually improving self-confidence and self-esteem, even in adults.…”

“…W e would like to thank Ha et al for their letter to the editor and their elaboration on our review on the nonsurgical correction of congenital ear anomalies. 1 As stated in their letter, insurance coverage is of problematic concern in the use of nonoperative methods to correct congenital ear anomalies. As their data show, only 7% of American insurance companies had policies on the use of these treatment methods, suggesting a persevering ignorance, despite the thorough conduction of research.…”