Proposed Otoplasty Model: Innovative Use for a Hearing Aid Demonstration Mould

Prominent ear is a cosmetic deformity that can have severe emotional and behavioural effect on a child. Otoplasty describes the surgical procedures designed to give the auricle a more natural and anatomic appearance. Otoplasty can be categorized as either cartilage splitting (cutting) or cartilage scoring. Cartilage-splitting involve full-thickness incisions through the cartilage and repositioning of large blocks of auricular cartilage. Cartilage-scoring such as Stentroms' scoring techniques involves making partial-thickness incisions, while attempting to avoid sharp anglulations and to re-produce smooth curves in the cartilage. Our proposed otoplasty model is based on modifications of an existing hearing aid model which is readily available in our clinic. The modified ear moulds allow residents to practise on ear cartilage moulding techniques before operating on patients.