Congenital Ear Deformity Research Articles

The Prevalence and Awareness of Congenital External Ear Deformity among the School-Age Group: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Congenital outer ear deformities stem from a sequence of disturbances during fetal auricular cartilage embryonic development. A significant gap exists in understanding their prevalence among the school-age group in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study aims to address this knowledge gap to raise awareness about the impact of such disorders. This cross-sectional study targeted parents of children in the school-age group. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to ensure the representation of schools. A self-administered Google form survey was used. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Our study revealed that the majority were males (56.2%), aged 6 to 10 years (49.3%), and attended primary school (69.5%). Chronic illnesses were present in 7.1% of children, with hearing impairment most prevalent (25.9%). Congenital ear deformities affected 2.7% of children, primarily Stahl's ear (35.4%). Limited knowledge about these deformities was observed among respondents (30.3%), yet a significant majority (73.9%) expressed belief in the potential of community awareness to decrease deformity prevalence. The awareness levels were impacted by parental education but showed no significant association with the child's age, gender, or presence of chronic diseases. Our study underscores the noteworthy occurrence of congenital ear deformities among the school-age group, coupled with a notable lack of awareness. Parental education emerges as a key factor influencing awareness levels. It is imperative to prioritize initiatives to bolster awareness and early detection to promote child health.

A CASE REPORT: EARLOBE RECONSTRUCTION ON CONGENITAL AURICULAR LOBE DEFECT USING Z-PLASTY

Highlights: Congenital ear defects typically result from growth failures during the fifth to ninth weeks of gestation or from mechanical stress during this period. Auricular lobuloplasty using the Z-plasty flap technique effectively addresses earlobe defects, resulting in optimal aesthetic outcomes with no keloid formation, minimal scarring, and no complications. Abstract: Introduction: Earlobe defects, often due to embryonal growth failure or injury, can affect aesthetics and social interactions despite not impacting hearing. Earlobe defect can be formed either from birth as congenital defect or secondary manifestation of other causes such as tumor and external factor such as earring usage or trauma. This study aimed to address these issues by performing auricular lobuloplasty using a Z-plasty flap technique. The procedure, crucial for protecting the auditory canal and facilitating eyeglass use, was successful in achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. Data on microtia prevalence, particularly in Indonesia, highlights the need for such reconstructive surgeries. Case Illustration: A 9-year-old boy underwent auricular lobuloplasty to correct a cleft earlobe deformity, which caused social discomfort. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, utilized a Z-plasty technique to lengthen and reorient the scar. Postoperative care included wound dressing changes and oral pain medication. After two weeks, satisfactory results were observed with no reported complications. Discussion: The study on congenital ear deformities focuses on Z-plasty for earlobe reconstruction, detailing classifications, surgical techniques, and case results. The surgery was successful with minimal scarring and no keloid formation. Using Weerda's classification, the technique showed minimal scarring and no keloid formation. The approach, emphasizing proper skin envelope and alignment with Langer lines, offers effective aesthetic restoration, making it a valuable reference for future earlobe reconstruction cases. Conclusion: Utilizing Z-plasty for earlobe defect reconstruction aids in improving the earlobe's appearance with minimal to no complications.

Assessing the Current State of Microtia Reconstruction in the United States.

Microtia is a congenital ear deformity with variability in surgical techniques and tools across surgeons pursuing an autologous reconstruction. Different techniques have emerged over time, and surgeons opt for various tools to aid in creating the complex three-dimensional cartilaginous ear framework. The purpose of this study was to understand the current state of microtia reconstruction in the United States. Microtia surgeons affiliated with the nonprofit, Ear Community, were invited to complete a 20-item survey. Data were collected on demographic information regarding surgeons, considerations when approaching microtia repair in patients, and techniques and comfort levels. Additional data were collected on materials, tools, flaps, and skin grafts used for reconstruction. Twenty-two surgeons responded to the survey reporting 3 different techniques learned and utilized in practice including the Brent, Nagata, and Firmin techniques. About two-thirds of surgeons were "extremely comfortable" with their techniques and one-third were "extremely uncomfortable" or "somewhat uncomfortable." Most respondents reported using a tunneled temporoparietal fascial flap or a posterior fascial flap along with a full-thickness skin graft for the second stage (ear elevation). Most surgeons utilized a combination of scalpels and gouges when carving the ear framework along with sutures or wire. This study highlights the current state of autogenous microtia reconstruction underscoring the variability in approaches and preferences. These data may guide future directions that aim to improve patient outcomes. Surgeons may gain insight into different practices and choose to adopt different aspects to enhance their surgical approach.

EarWell Infant Ear Molding Device: Experience and Parent Survey.

EarWell infant ear molding device is a noninvasive, nonsurgical option to treat ear deformities in early infancy. There are no studies involving the parents' perspective to the use of the EarWell. To investigate our experience with EarWell infant ear molding device and to assess the parents' satisfaction. A retrospective case series study of infants with congenital ear deformities who were treated with EarWell device from October 2021 to November 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Clinical photographs were obtained before, during, and after treatment. Parents' satisfaction level was assessed through telephone encounters and surveys, and issues associated with device application were identified. Clinical improvement of ear deformity was graded into poor, fair, good, and excellent. A total of 9 patients with congenital ear deformities were identified and included in this study (7 bilateral deformities and 2 unilateral deformities). The mean adjusted age of the initial treatment is 17 weeks (4-23 weeks), and the mean treatment duration is 5.7 weeks. The authors received full 8 responses from the parents' survey, and all parents were satisfied with post-treatment results (4 satisfied, 1 fully satisfied, and 2 very satisfied). Issues associated with device application were 3 superficial skin ulcers and 4 skin irritation. Clinical Improvement grades were: 5 excellent improvement, 2 good improvement, and 2 fair improvement. On the basis of our experience, the EarWell device has shown a high success rate and a low complication rate. It is well accepted by parents, but it needs close follow-up to detect minor device-related issues. The device is safe for multiple skin types.

Update on congenital ear molding.

Congenital ear deformities are characterized by distorted, but still present, landmarks of the auricle. Interventions include early treatment with ear molding or delayed surgical treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the latest information related to ear molding for congenital ear deformities. Various ear molding techniques date back to the 1980s, but with the availability of commercially available molding systems, interest and use has blossomed in recent years. As more longitudinal research results are obtained, ear molding has been proven to be a highly effective treatment, although the best technique and length of treatment remains unclear. While it is clear that earlier intervention is ideal, due to lack of public awareness, patients often present later, and it remains controversial what age to offer ear molding interventions to and still expect success. Ear molding interventions are becoming increasingly covered by insurance due to evidence of preventing long-term psychological morbidities and the need for future surgical interventions.

Fascial turnover flap - an effective method to resolve cartilage exposure after autologous microtia reconstruction

Introduction. Microtia presents a congenital ear deformity ranging from a minor and barely visible defect to a complete absence of the ear. Currently, there are three options for ear reconstruction: autologous costal cartilage, silicon prothesis, and prosthetic ear. Ear reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage is usually performed in two stages. During the first stage, the cartilaginous framework is fabricated and placed under the skin, in the anatomical position of the ear. In the second stage, the elevation of the frame is performed. During these procedures, complications such as vascular compromise of the skin envelope can occur. Cartilage exposure can lead to its resorption and distortion, leading to an unsatisfactory anatomical result, and this should be resolved as soon as possible. Cartilage exposure at the convex part of the frame is especially problematic. The goal of this paper is to show that fascial turnover flap is a safe method to deal with cartilage exposure as a complication. Outlines of cases. We present two patients with anotia and hemifacial microsomia. Both underwent autologous cartilage microtia repair. In both patients, the cartilage exposure at the convex part of the ear was revealed as a complication. Fascial turnover flap has been used to resolve this complication in both patients. Conclusion. Fascial turnover flap is a safe method to deal with cartilage exposure after microtia reconstruction with autologous cartilage.

Nonsurgical Correction of Congenital Ear Deformities: The Relationship Between Age of Presentation and Regression.

After 3 weeks of age, studies show ear molding to be unsuccessful due to increased regression rates. Studies have not differentiated success rates based on regression severity; partial regressions may be deemed successful and satisfactory by parents. We examined successful ear molding at different ages of presentation by measuring regression severity and parental satisfaction. Patients who presented to [blinded for review] for ear molding from January 2017 to October 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Molds were applied on the initial visit and monitored biweekly. Treatment length was based on age, deformity type, and severity. One month after treatment completion, parents completed a satisfaction survey where they assessed regression on a 3-point severity scale. A total of 165 patients were included in this study. Sixty-seven were younger than 3 weeks of age and had an overall correction rate of 95%. The complete correction rate was 80% and only 5% saw complete regression. In the remaining 98, the overall correction rate was 94%, with a 63% complete correction rate. Only 6% saw complete regression. There was no statistical significance in parental satisfaction, perceived improvement, or likelihood to recommend ear molding between age groups. Regression rates are higher in children older than 3 weeks although not statistically significant. Most regressions were partial and ear molding still significantly corrected most deformities. We suggest that ear molding be offered past 3 weeks of age, with maximum age being dependent on deformity type, as it still leads to high parental satisfaction.

QS67. Non-surgical Correction of Congenital Ear Deformities: The Relationship Between Age of Presentation and Regression

Purpose: After 3 weeks of age, studies show ear molding to be unsuccessful due to increased regression rates. Studies have not differentiated success rates based on regression severity; partial regressions may be deemed successful and satisfactory by parents. We examined successful ear molding at different ages of presentation by measuring regression severity and parental satisfaction. Methods: Patients who presented to clinic for ear molding from January 2017 to October 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Molds were applied on the initial visit and monitored biweekly. Treatment length was based on age, deformity type and severity. One month after treatment completion, parents completed a satisfaction survey where they assessed regression on a three-point severity scale. Results: 165 patients were included in this study. 67 were less than three weeks of age and had an overall correction rate of 95%. The complete correction rate was 80% and only 5% saw complete regression. In the remaining 98, the overall correction rate was 94%, with a 63% complete correction rate. Only 6% percent saw complete regression. There was no statistical significance in parental satisfaction, perceived improvement, or likelihood to recommend ear molding between age groups. Conclusion: Regression rates are higher in children older than three weeks although not statistically significant. Most regressions were partial and ear molding still significantly corrected most deformities. We suggest that ear molding be offered past three weeks of age, with maximum age being dependent on deformity type, as it still leads to high parental satisfaction.

Nonsurgical correction of congenital ear deformities: Infant ear molding method

Nonsurgical correction of congenital ear deformities: Infant ear molding method

Lop Ear to Conchal Microtia: An Algorithmic Surgical Approach.

The lop ear deformity is defined by a deficient helix and scapha, underdeveloped anthelix, and downfolding of the helix. The terminology used is still confusing, and the treatment is not entirely structured. The aim of this study was to provide a new systematic surgical approach of this deformity based on our center's experience. All patients undergoing surgical correction of lop ears between 2007 and 2019 at Great Ormond Street Hospital were included. Patients' data, surgical techniques, and postoperative complications were recorded. Based on our records, we identified 3 surgical techniques for the correction of lop ears, based on the degree of deformity encountered. In a mild lop ear, correction was achieved with a modified otoplasty technique by improving the definition of the antihelix and superior crus. In a moderate deformity, additional remodeling of the lidded helix was performed (extended otoplasty), whereas for the severe lop ear, the amount of cupping and the deficient cartilage required formal reconstruction using a carved rib cartilage framework. There were a total of 109 patients and 146 lop ears: 58 mild, 27 moderate, and 61 severe lop ears. We feel that there is a point in the spectrum of congenital ear deformity when a severe lop ear becomes a conchal microtia and recommend this approach to simplify the management of these cases. This is intended to bring greater clarity to how to deal with lop ears, based on the severity of the deformity and the surgical techniques used.

English

Prosthodontists usually stick to the dictum by MM Devan, “preservation of what remains than meticulous replacement of what has been lost.1” “Microtia” is a term used to describe congenital anomaly of the external ear. It is a combination of the words “micro” and “otia” each of the term denoting small and ear respectively. It includes a range of deformities which may consist of presence of a rudimentary ear, a grossly normal or smaller ear or complete absence of the entire external ear. These deformities usually account for 3 in every ten thousand births, with less than 10 % of all the cases showing bilaterally missing ears.2-4 Facial deformities are common for the microtia patient as the auricle develops from tissues of the branchial arches. Figure 1 describes the patient having congenitally missing unilateral ear. Maxillofacial prosthodontics deals with prosthetic rehabilitation of disfigured or missing parts of head and neck. Prosthetic replacement of the exterior part (Epithesis) can be related to as old as civilization. References to it are available in Indian, Greek, Roman, Egyptian Civilizations.5 Ambroise Pare is credited with making various contributions to the materials and techniques in facial prosthetics. Fabrication of an extra-oral prosthesis is probably more of an art than science. Throughout the recorded history, humans have attempted to restore missing parts of the body by using various artificial materials. MPF materials have evolved since centuries right from metals, ivory, porcelain, waxes, natural rubber, gelatin, and latex to modern day materials such as methacrylate or acrylic resins, polyurethane elastomers, and silicone elastomers each having their own set of advantages and disadvantages. But silicone is most commonly used because of its assorted benefits over other MFP materials. This case report describes an auricular prosthesis for the patient with congenital ear deformity using an acrylic template for colour depiction and room temperature volcanizing (RTV) silicone.6

Comparison of prevalence of various ENT diseases and hearing impairment among children of government schools versus private schools of Mardan

Background: School children are frequently afflicted with ENT diseases. The diseases and their associated complications, especially hearing impairment, can be devastating to the children and families alike. Socioeconomic status of children can have strong effect on frequency of various ENT diseases. The objective of this study is to compare the frequency of various ENT diseases among children studying in government schools versus those in private schools of district Mardan.
 Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at Mardan from July to December 2019. The researchers visited four schools (two government and two private schools) in Mardan district. Relevant history was obtained and physical examination was done to find out the frequency of various ENT diseases. The data variables (age, gender, ENT diseases, hearing impairment) were noted in research Performa and data was entered and analysed in SPSS 21 software. Frequencies were determine for age, gender and ENT diseases. Independent t-test was used to analyze quantitative variables, while Chi-square was used to analyze qualitative variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
 Results: Total 2986 children were examined in 4 schools. The mean age of the children was 11 years. There were 56% boys and 44% girls. Total 2106 children were examined in two government schools and 880 children were examined in two private schools. The frequency of impacted cerumen was 18.4% (21.2% of government school children versus 11.4% of private school children; p<0.05). Frequency of allergic rhinitis was 9.7% (9.5% of government school children versus 10.1% of private school children; p=0.635). The frequency of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in government school children was 4.9% versus 2.5% among those in private schools (p<0.05). In this study cumulative prevalence of hearing impairment was 26.8%, where prevalence in government school children was 30.9% versus 17.2% in private schools (p-value<0.001). The causes of hearing impairment were impacted ear cerumen (68.3%), CSOM (15.7%), otitis externa (6.2%), OME (4.1%), otitis media (2.8%), congenital ear deformities (1.6%) and foreign bodies in ear (1.2%). The main causes of hearing impairment in majority of children were impacted cerumen and CSOM in 84% children.
 Conclusion: Various ENT diseases like impacted cerumen, rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and CSOM are common in school going children. Impacted cerumen and CSOM are significantly more prevalent in government school children as compared to private schools which are primary cause of hearing impairment in children leading to significantly high prevalence of hearing impairment in government school children

Application of retrosigmoid sinus approach in Bonebridge implantation

Background Bonebridge is an suitable option for conductive hearing loss, however, the traditional approach cannot accomplished a satisfying implantation for patients with congenital malformation or radical mastoidectomy. Objectives To evaluate the clinical application of retrosigmoid sinus approach in Bonebridge implantation and postoperative evaluation. Materials and methods 11 patients who underwent retrosigmoid sinus approach Bonebridge implantation from March 2016 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 5 females, aged 12–54 years old (30.6 in average). Among them, 4 cases had undergone bilateral radical mastoidectomy, 6 cases had bilateral congenital aural atresia or stenosis, and 1 case had unilateral congenital aural atresia. Results All patients underwent Bonebridge implantation through retrosigmoid sinus approach according to the preoperative image reconstruction and plan. There was no surgical injury of sigmoid sinus or cerebrospinal fluid leakage during the operation. The aided threshold obtained an increase of 32.32 dB HL; the speech recognition rates of bisyllabic words, monosyllabic words and sentence were 79.6%, 67.8% and 75.0%, respectively. After 11–53 months of follow-up, the hearing effect was stable and no long-term complications occurred. Conclusion The retrosigmoid sinus approach is an effective surgical approach for patients with congenital ear deformities or radical cavity after mastoidectomy.

Management of Congenital Auricular Anomalies.

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe normal ear anatomy and development, and evaluate the patient's ears for differences in shape, size, prominence, and symmetry. 2. Identify common congenital ear deformities, including prominent ear, macrotia, Stahl ear, cryptotia, constricted ear, and lobule anomalies. 3. Describe both early nonoperative management and operative techniques for correction of these ear deformities. 4. Be aware of advantages and disadvantages of common and emerging techniques for correction of pediatric ear deformities. Whereas severe ear malformations such as microtia/anotia are rare, other ear deformities, such as prominent ear, Stahl ear, and cryptotia, are common. Although these ear deformities result in minimal physiologic morbidity, their psychological and cosmetic impact can be significant. Identifying these common deformities and understanding how they differ from normal ear anatomy is critical to their management. In cases where a deformity is identified in neonatal life, ear molding may obviate the need for surgery. Although various surgical techniques have been described for correction of common ear deformities, the surgeon should follow a careful stepwise approach to address the auricular deformity or deformities present. By using such an approach, complications may be minimized and predictable aesthetic outcomes achieved.

Nonsurgical Correction of Congenital Ear Deformities

Nonsurgical Correction of Congenital Ear Deformities

Protein profile of ear auricle cartilage and the important role of ITGB1/PTK2 in microtia

BackgroundMicrotia is a congenital malformation of the external ear that involves anything from a small reduction in size to a complete absence. The external ear is composed of elastic cartilage which is also the important skeleton of the outer ear. However no previous study explored the difference between abnormal elastic cartilage and normal cartilage in the molecular level. MethodsMicrotia cartilage and normal cartilage tissue samples from patients subjected to autologous costal cartilage reconstruction were obtained in surgery. Total proteins were extracted and purified, and then proteomic analyzed via LC-MS/MS using DDA/DIA data collection methods. Proteins were also isolated with lysis beads and then analyzed via antibody chip. Differentially expressed proteins were identified in both experiments and further analyzed with functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. Valuable regulatory gene expression level was verified by RT-PCR. ResultsA total of 4178 protein types were identified in the DDA experiment. A total of 2154 proteins were quantified, 172 of which were significantly upregulated and 82 downregulated in the microtia group (P < 0.05). Antibody chip detection allowed identification of 584 protein phosphorylation sites with 102 upregulation sites and 9 downregulation sites (P < 0.05). Differentially altered proteins were annotated to 143 KEGG pathways, while differentiated phosphate site-associated genes were annotated into 21 KEGG pathways. Two intersecting pathways, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and the focal adhesion pathway, may paly important role on ear auricle cartilage development. One item is significant in both differential protein expression and phosphorylation. Integrin beta-1, that is downregulated in protein quantification of the microtia group. The mean ITGB1 mRNA level of the microtia patient group was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (P = 0.0007 < 0.05). And the gene expression of downstream gene PTK2 was also decreased. (P = 0.0288 < 0.05). ConclusionThe research locates the key protein Integrin Beta-1, and verified it at the mRNA level. The increasing level of ITGB1 and decreasing of PTK2 may play an important role in congenital ear deformity. This research will inspire more otolaryngologists and orthopedics doctors to pay attention to the etiology and mechanism of microtia.

Ear Molding Therapy: Laypersons' Perceptions, Preferences, and Satisfaction with Treatment Outcome.

Laypersons were recruited via crowdsourcing to view photographs of normal ears or one of the following ear deformities, pre- and post-molding: constricted, cryptotia, cupped/lopped, helical rim deformity, prominent, and Stahl. Participants answered questions regarding perceptions and treatment preferences for the ear. Statistical analyses included multiple linear and logistic regressions and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. A total of 983 individuals participated in the study. All deformities were perceived as significantly abnormal, likely to impair hearing, and associated with lower psychosocial quality of life (all P < 0.001). For all deformities, participants were likely to choose ear molding over surgery despite the logistical and financial implications of ear molding (all P < 0.02). Participants were significantly more satisfied with the outcome of ear molding in all deformities compared with control, except constricted ears (all P < 0.002, except Pconstricted = 0.073). Concern for hearing impairment due to ear deformity was associated with increased likelihoods of seeing a physician (P < 0.001) and choosing ear molding despite treatment logistics and costs (all P < 0.001). Laypersons perceived all ear deformities as abnormal and associated with low psychosocial quality of life. Despite logistical and financial implications, laypersons generally desired molding therapy for ear deformities; treatment outcomes were satisfactory for all deformities except constricted ears. Timely diagnosis of this condition is crucial to reaping the benefits of ear molding therapy.

Nonoperative Molding of Congenital Ear Deformities: The Impact of Birth-Initiation Delay on Correction Outcome.

Ear molding can improve the majority congenital ear deformities when employed early after birth. However, the best time to initiate treatment remains debated. In describing one surgeon's experience over the past near decade, this study aims to highlight differences conferred by treatment timing. The authors hypothesize that auricular outcomes are superior when deformities are molded beginning in the first 3 weeks of life. A retrospective review (2010-2018) of 272 cases was performed to compare early initiation of molding (<3 weeks of birth) and delayed initiation (>3 weeks). The mean patient age was 20.4 days and the mean follow-up was 0.5 months. The overall treatment was approximately 31 days. The number of devices required was similar (2.3 versus 2.5) between early and delayed molding cases, but fall-outs (1.0 versus 0.7, P = 0.02) and replacements (0.9 versus 0.6, P = 0.004) were more common after delayed molding. Skin complications developed in 13.6% (37) of ears overall and did not differ by treatment timing. Follow-up surgery was reported in 2 (0.7%) ears. The 85% of families reported subjective satisfaction with the final outcome; satisfaction was significantly higher for early cases (97% versus 79%, P = 0.03). Ear molding of congenital ear deformities should begin within 3 weeks of birth. From our experience, setting realistic expectations helps limit discrepancies between expectation and outcome.

Public Perception of Helical Rim Deformities and Their Correction With Ear Molding.

Among congenital ear deformities, helical rim deformities are most common. Non-surgical ear molding has emerged as an effective option to treat helical rim deformities and could reduce the need for surgery later in a child's life. Despite this, there has never been a study examining how the general public rates corrections after ear molding. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all consecutive patients with helical rim deformities treated with InfantEar TM Molding System. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) was used to survey blinded respondents using photographs of patients' ears to determine the degree of normalcy on a scale of 1 (not normal) to 10 (completely normal) before and after molding. Ratings of ears were compared using a paired t test and percent improvement from baseline. A total of 59 ears met criteria for evaluation by 497 MTurk respondents. Average age of patients at the time of treatment was 34.2 ± 16.8 days and mean therapy duration was 31.3 ± 13.1 days. A paired t test analysis found that MTurk respondents identified significant improvement in 91.5% of ears (n = 54) (P < 0.05). The percent improvement in observed helical rim change was on average 82.7 ± 61.1%. Ear molding is an effective and safe way to address helical rim deformities early in the neonatal period. The general public is able to recognize ears with rim deformities as abnormal, and appreciate the difference in architecture after molding. Crowdsourcing technology offers an opportunity to measure laypeople's perceptions regarding outcomes after ear molding.

Association of congenital ear deformities with dermoid cysts of the auricle

Dermoid cysts of the auricle are exceedingly rare. Since 2000, only three patients presented with auricular dermoid cysts at our hospital department, two of which were associated with congenital ear deformities. We conducted a literature review to identify other cases of auricular dermoids and investigated their association with congenital ear deformities. We searched case reports published in English, Japanese, and Chinese languages using electronic databases. We also briefly present the three case examples from our hospital. Review of the literature revealed 16 reports of 18 auricular dermoids, and here we report 3 additional cases. The age of the patients ranged from 0 to 63 years. The male to female ratio was 11:8. Seven lesions were associated with congenital ear deformities. Although there was a wide age distribution amongst the patients, asymptomatic cystic tumors on the upper medial region of the auricle which occur during childhood may be dermoid in nature. It is important for all practitioners to be aware of the association between auricular dermoid cysts and congenital ear deformities. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.