Using Ear Molding to Treat Congenital Auricular Deformities

Objective: To explore the utility of ear molding in the treatment of congenital auricular deformations.Study Design: A retrospective chart/photograph review of a consecutive series of infants treated with the EarWell System from 2017 to 2020 was performed. Data on type of auricular deformity, treatment side, and auricular length and width were collected weekly for all study participants.Result: A total of 173 patients (274 ears) with congenital auricular anomalies were included. The treatment duration for lop ears and Stahl's ears was shorter than for other deformations. The mean treatment EarWell duration of participants who started ear molding within 14 days of birth was shorter than that of those who started treatment more than 14 days after birth with the same ear deformation. For participants with unilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both the affected and healthy ears increased over the course of treatment, equalizing after 3 weeks. For participants with bilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both ears increased rapidly over the first 3 weeks of treatment, and the length and width of both ears gradually equalized after treatment.Conclusion: Ear molding is an important intervention for treating congenital auricular deformations, and can increase auricular length and width. Early identification and initiation of treatment is crucial in the management of congenital auricular deformation.

Lop-eared rabbits have more aural and dental problems than erect-eared rabbits: a rescue population study

This research aimed to assess whether rabbits having lop ears, an artificially selected conformation, compromises welfare. We investigated the occurrence of aural and dental pathology in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits. Thirty rabbits (15 lop-eared and 15 erect-eared) from a rabbit-only rescue shelter were examined. An otoscope was used to visualise the ear canals and mouth. Samples were taken from each ear to examine for mites, bacteria and yeast. Medical records were also examined. Lop-eared rabbits showed statistically significantly more frequent ear canal stenosis, higher scores of cerumen and erythema and more frequent potential pain response during ear examination, compared with erect-eared rabbits. We also found statistically significantly more frequent incisor pathology, molar overgrowth, molar sharpness, molar spurs and history of veterinary dental treatment in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits. The effect sizes were often large. Age was not statistically significant between the lop-eared and erect-eared rabbit groups. Thus, lop-eared rabbits were at an increased risk of aural and dental pathology in this study. This brings into debate the ethics of breeding and buying lop-eared rabbits, as they are more likely to suffer conditions that negatively impact welfare, such as pain, and potentially deafness and difficulty eating.

Lop-eared rabbits have more aural and dental problems than erect-eared rabbits: a rescue population study

This research aimed to assess whether rabbits having lop-ears is a welfare issue by investigating the occurrence of aural and dental pathology in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits.Thirty rabbits (15 lop-eared and 15 erect-eared) from a rabbit-only rescue shelter were examined. An otoscope was used to visualise the ear canals and mouth. Samples were taken from each ear to examine for mites, bacteria and yeast. Medical records were also examined.Lop-eared rabbits showed statistically significantly more frequent ear canal stenosis, higher scores of cerumen and erythema, and more frequent potential pain response during ear examination, compared with erect-eared rabbits. We also found statistically significantly more frequent incisor pathology, molar overgrowth, molar sharpness, molar spurs and history of veterinary dental treatment in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits. The effect sizes were often large. Age was not statistically significant between the lop- and erect-eared rabbit groups.Thus, lop-eared rabbits are at an increased risk of aural and dental pathology. This brings into debate the ethics of breeding and buying lop-eared rabbits, as they are more likely to suffer conditions that negatively impact welfare, such as pain, and potentially deafness and difficulty eating.

A Study of the Design Aesthetics of Picture Book Creation Using Mixed Media

The learning topic of this study was the creative designs of picture books in the basic design curriculum. The research subjects were the students from the Department of Commercial Design of a technology university. Hand drawings were combined with computer graphics to perform the image art designs using mixed media of innovative technology, to explore the achievements of applying the innovative technology methods in aesthetics education. During the process of creating works, the teachers and the students had continuously discussed and made modifications. Finally, the students were asked to present their works through oral presentations. The scores were given by two professional design teachers. Among all the works, the picture book titled Lop was the one with the best performance. The story was that the leading characters ears were too long, causing a lot of inconvenience. He was even mocked at by his friends. Thus, he hated his own ears a lot. However, in an accident, he unexpectedly found the advantage of his lop ears and learned to accept himself. The images of this picture book were colorful while still friendly and sincere, properly presenting the scenes in the story, helping children to develop the concept of loving both others and themselves.