OBJECTIVETo evaluate the stability of hearing results and complications in long-term following-up who underwent reconstruction surgery.

METHODSSix hundreds and seventy five cases (700 ears) of congenital aural atresia were reviewed from January 1984 to January 2001 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tongren hospital. Except 40 ears undone hearing reconstruction, 635 cases (660 ears) underwent long-term following-up for 3 to 19 years, with an average of 7.9 years.

RESULTSStenosis and recurrent infection of the external auditory canal (EAC) were the most frequent complications. Stenosis was seen in 120 ears, and 2 ears re-atresia, with an incidence of 18.48% (122/660). Recurrent infection of the cavity and canal skin happened in 6 ears. Closure of the air-bone gap (ABG) post-operation were gained in all cases, and ABG gains 20 dB or more occurred in 512 ears (77.57%), but 30 dB or more in 231 ears (35%). Following-up results: Stable hearing results gained in 450 ears over the length of following-up; the hearing worsened than that of 3 weeks postoperatively occurred in 160 ears, including 2 ears with sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing deteriorated more than 20 dB happened in 35 ears, and 10-15 dB in others cases but still be improved compared with that of preoperation.

CONCLUSIONSAtresiaplasty surgery in individuals with congenital aural atresia can yield reliable, lasting hearing results in 68.2% (450/660), with a low incidence of complications; the initial improved hearing deteriorated gradually over the first 6 months post-operation, which are related with the stenosis and infection of canal. Cavity adhesion, bony EAC re-growth, ossicular chain re-fixation or displace may affect the hearing results in some cases. Even unilateral aural atresia may benefit from the reconstruction surgery and achieve serviceable hearing results.