Long-Term Effectiveness of Ear Molding in Infants Using the EarWell Infant Correction System in China

Background: Ear molding is a safe and effective way to treat babies born with ear deformities. In this study, the authors explored the long-term effectiveness of ear molding and determined the factors that relate to recurrence. Methods: A retrospective review of 200 consecutive infants treated with the EarWell System from March of 2018 to August of 2019 was performed. Immediate and long-term effectiveness was evaluated and compared. Results: A total of 190 children (314 ears) were included. The mean age at presentation was 16.2 days (range, 0 to 100 days). The most common deformity was constricted ear [172 ears (54.8 percent)], and the rarest deformity was cryptotia [four ears (1.3 percent)]. At the completion of treatment, 10 constricted ears were evaluated to be unsuccessful. The immediate success rates of mild and severe constricted ears were 95.7 percent and 93.1 percent, respectively. The average long-term follow-up was 336 days (range, 180 to 660 days) after completion of treatment. Twenty-two ears (7.2 percent) reverted to their original shape. The long-term success rates of severe constricted ears and prominent ears decreased most significantly, 83.3 percent (p = 0.030) and 66.7 percent (p = 0.042), respectively. Family history led to a decrease of long-term effectiveness of prominent ears. Age at application, sex, duration of molding, and retention taping were not correlated to the long-term outcome. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up demonstrated that in a percentage of babies, the ear deformities did recur after an initially successful treatment. Severe constricted ears and prominent ears are most likely to relapse. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.