How is microtia treated?
The external appearance of microtia doesn’t always require treatment, but it’s important to address any hearing loss if present. It’s essential to undergo hearing evaluation early and maintain hearing follow-up through early childhood. If there’s hearing loss associated with microtia, your child could develop speech difficulties if the hearing loss isn’t treated.
If you choose to treat microtia, there are a couple options:
- Ear prosthetics.
- Microtia surgery (surgical reconstruction).
Ear prosthetics
Usually made of silicone, an ear prosthetic attaches with adhesive or magnets. Ear prosthetics require maintenance over time and may not be the best option for some children.
Microtia surgery
Microtia surgery involves reconstructing the affected ear. Healthcare providers usually recommend beginning reconstructive surgery between the ages of 6 and 9. Depending on the technique used, reconstruction may require multiple stages.
During this process, a surgeon creates a new ear from cartilage taken from your child’s rib or from synthetic (human-made) materials. Surgeons can also use an ear implant to rebuild your child’s ear. All of these techniques provide a framework that your surgeon will cover with your child’s own tissue.
When can my child go back to regular activities?
Surgery is the only time when a child living with microtia might have restrictions on their activities.
Recovery after microtia surgery depends on the specific treatment. Your provider will tell you when it’s safe for your child to resume normal activities.
Do people with microtia have health complications?
Hearing loss is the most common complication associated with microtia. Some people with microtia feel embarrassed or have self-esteem issues caused by their ear’s appearance. Support groups can help you or your child feel less isolated.
FAQs
Healthcare providers usually recommend beginning reconstructive surgery between the ages of 6 and 9. Depending on the technique used, reconstruction may require multiple stages. During this process, a surgeon creates a new ear from cartilage taken from your child's rib or from synthetic (human-made) materials.
What medications cause microtia? ›
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has been known to cause microtia in some babies. Microtia can also result from taking Accutane (isotretinoin) and methamphetamines during pregnancy.
Why are people born with microtia? ›
The causes of anotia/microtia among most infants are unknown. Some known causes of anotia/microtia include: Certain changes in the baby's genes or chromosomes3.
Is microtia considered a disability? ›
Microtia itself isn't a functional disability, but hearing loss can be a disability. Hearing loss could qualify your child for some disability benefits. Although microtia isn't a disability, it can significantly affect social aspects of your child's life.
What comorbidities are common with microtia? ›
Microtia can occur by itself, or it may occur with syndromes such as hemifacial microsomia, where the entire half of the face is smaller, Treacher Collins syndrome and Goldenhar syndrome.
What famous people have microtia? ›
Paul Stanley, lead singer of the rock band KISS has Microtia and Atresia of his right ear. Paul had canalplasty (Atresia repair) and also wears a BAHA. Paul has published a book about his Microtia and Atresia and has also been interviewed by CNN about his experience growing up with Microtia and Atresia.
What is the best age for microtia surgery? ›
Auricular reconstruction for unilateral microtia usually begins in children aged 6-7 years, depending on the child's size. Because the pinna reaches about 85-90% of its adult size at this age, surgery earlier than 6-7 years of age is generally not recommended or accepted worldwide.
Is microtia life threatening? ›
Individuals without associated congenital syndromes typically lead normal, complete, and productive lives. However, children born with microtia, particularly those with craniofacial anomalies, face an increased risk of low self-esteem and bullying.
Does microtia affect kidneys? ›
About 10% of children with microtia also have problems that affect the heart, eye, kidney, spine or face. Small or missing ears are associated with conditions such as craniofacial microsomia and Treacher Collins syndrome.
What genetic conditions are associated with microtia? ›
Numerous syndromes have been associated with microtia, including Treacher-Collins Syndrome (TCS, MIM #154500), craniofacial/hemifacial microsomia (CFM, MIM #164210), Goldenhar Syndrome (MIM #164210), Nager Syndrome/Acrofacial Dysostosis (AFD, MIM #154400), Crouzon Syndrome (MIM #123500), Apert Syndrome (MIM #101200), ...
Total costs may be over $125,000.00 once an ear has been reconstructed. * If you find a surgeon who is “in-network” with your insurance coverage plan, many families may end up paying a total of anywhere from $0 (USD) to about $2,500.00 (USD) depending on your deductible and copay.
How do you fix microtia? ›
There are several ways to reconstruct an ear with microtia. The most common ways are to use your child's own rib cartilage or to use a plastic implant (MEDPOR). Microtia reconstruction using your child's own cartilage is called Autologous Reconstruction. The process takes several stages.
Does microtia affect balance? ›
Luckily, the inner ear (the location of the hearing and balance organs) forms at a different time as the outer and middle ears. As a result, the inner ear functions at a normal level, even in a child with a microtia.
What does microtia look like? ›
The ear is smaller than normal but the key features of the normal ear are present, though they may have minor alterations in shape or form. Some of the features of the ear are missing, though usually there is still a lobule and a remnant of helix and antihelix.
What is a risk factor of microtia? ›
Other risk factors for microtia include advanced maternal age [6, 11], low maternal education [8, 12], maternal race/ethnicity [8, 12], geography, birth weight [1, 7], altitude [13], and high parity (4+) [6]. Pregnancy-related disease and medication during the pregnancy is also related to microtia.
What are the psychological effects of microtia? ›
Increased difficulty in social integration and lack of self- confidence for children with microtia. Mood disorders (depression, social difficulties, aggression) increase with age in microtia patients who have not had reconstructive surgery.
How does microtia affect speech? ›
As a result of their difficulties hearing, children with microtia atresia may experience difficulty speaking correctly due to not being able to hear the correct sounds correctly or imitate them correctly when producing speech sounds of their own.
Does microtia cause hearing loss? ›
The outer ear and ear canal develop at the same time, which means that microtia and atresia are commonly found together. This causes a hearing loss (what is called a “maximal conductive loss”) because the sound waves cannot get through to the eardrum/inner ear.
