ABSTRACT
Congenital middle ear abnormalities can be divided into major and minor anomalies. The major malformations represent the congenital atresias of the external auditory canal; the minor ones relate to the congenital defects of the ossicular chain. The term “congenital atresia of the ear” is generally used to describe a series of malformations of the external and middle ear. Although atresia anatomically implies an absence of an external auditory canal, clinically it is usually applied in a broader sense, varying from a mild abnormality with only narrowing to a complete absence of the external ear canal. Abnormalities of the external auditory canal are usually associated with a deformity or an absence of the pinna as well as middle-ear abnormalities. The inner-ear structures are only rarely involved. There is a considerable divergence of opinion as to the necessity and advisability of treatment for congenital atresia. Furthermore, there is much disagreement as to the procedure of choice and which criterion should be used to determine a surgical success.
