Ear Molding: Techniques and Integration into Your Practice

Monday, October 13, 2025

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Location: 231-232

Disclosure(s):

Z. Jason Qian, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Mai Thy T. Truong, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Madeleine A. Drusin, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kathleen C. Sie, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Children with prominent ears often experience poorer self-perception, whereas asymmetric or abnormally shaped ears can suggest developmental delay or convey a syndromic appearance.

Ear molding is becoming increasingly visible and desired by parents, and referring pediatricians recognize its benefits and drive higher demand. It provides a noninvasive correction for certain congenital auricular deformities in newborns, can deliver outstanding aesthetic results, and eliminates the need for future surgical interventions. Any otolaryngologist or advanced practice provider in otolaryngology who sees children can incorporate ear molding into their practice, and offering this service can help generate additional referrals for otoplasty and auricular reconstruction.

This session will teach attendees everything needed to begin offering ear molding in their practice. We will start with the foundational theory on congenital auricular deformities and patient selection criteria for ear molding. The session will include video instruction on various techniques for ear molding, including commercially available products such as the EarWell and custom-made molding devices from common clinic supplies.

Beyond the basics, we will explore nuanced topics such as building a strong referral base, ensuring timely referrals, optimizing clinic workflows, and navigating reimbursement strategies. Attendees will be equipped to implement ear molding effectively, meet the growing demand for this service, and enhance their practice capabilities.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explain the fundamentals of congenital ear deformities, including types (e.g., prominauris, cup ear, lop ear, Stahl ear, cryptotia, etc.), moldability based on age and type, and considerations for non-moldable malformations (e.g., microtia).

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: We will demonstrate various ear molding techniques with video instruction, covering EarWell application and custom-made molds. We will also discuss specific considerations for custom-molding specific types of deformities.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement ear molding in practice, including building a strong referral base, supply management, reimbursement strategies (no CPT code exists for ear molding), follow-up protocols, and development of APPs for ear molding.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Ear molding addresses a rapidly growing demand for noninvasive correction of congenital auricular deformities in newborns from parents and referring pediatricians. Many otolaryngologists and APPs lack training in this area, highlighting the need for practical education and guidance.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Z. Jason Qian, MD

Assistant Professor
University of California - San Diego
San Diego, CA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Mai Thy T. Truong, MD

Clinical Professor
Stanford Univ Med Sch
Stanford, California, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Madeleine A. Drusin, MD

Assistant Professor
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Kathleen C. Sie, MD

Professor
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, WA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.