Ossicular Anomaly Associated with Malformation of the Auricle.

The relationship between auricular malformations and ossicular anomalies was investigated in 7 ears from 5 patients with congenital conductive hearing loss. A close relationship was found between the following ossicular anomalies and auricular malformations; 1) anomalies of the antihelical crus and a bony bridge from the pyramidal eminence and stapes; 2) absence of the inferior crus of the antihelix and malformation of the long process of the incus ; 3) anomalies of the tragus and a stenotic external auditory meatus. Careful examination of the auricle may provide a diagnostic clue in some types of ossicular anomaly.