A reconstruction of the ear canal and of the middle ear may, in some cases, improve hearing. The success rate is dependent on the pre-operative quality of the middle ear. Therefore a CAT scan (Computer axial tomography) is done to provide a map of the ears condition.
It is an advanced operation seldom done before teenage years in unilateral microtia but, may be done at an earlier age in bilateral microtia.
Outer ear reconstruction must be done prior to any hearing improvement surgery.