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MicrotiaWhat is Microtia?Microtia is the name given to a small, incompletely formed external ear. There are various degrees of microtia ranging from the complete absence of the ear (anotia) to a partially deformed ear. In most cases of microtia, the lobule (bottom of the ear), the helix (rim of the ear) or the concha (center of the ear) are either deformed are missing. Often the deformity will look as if there is no ear at all, but rather, the deformity will resemble a sausage-shaped mass. Microtia is not the same as protruding ears, which requires a different surgical treatment, called an otoplasty. Like the external ear, the middle ear, which transmits the sounds that are heard, may also be incompletely formed. As a result, hearing in the microtic ear may be markedly distorted or completely absent. As a rule, the degree of hearing impairment is usually associated with the severity of the microtia. You should have your child's hearing evaluated and monitored regularly, especially if you choose not to surgically treat the microtia. Microtia occurs in about one out of every 7,000 to 8,000 births. No one can say for sure why microtia occurs. It usually affects one ear, but may affect both ears. Often times, microtia is associated with other conditions or syndromes that disfigure the face or head. Even if one or both parents have microtia, the condition is not necessarily passed on to their children. How does microtia affect your child?Depending on the severity of microtia, your child may experience a hearing loss or other hearing impairment. Even if your child does not suffer hearing problems and may not appear to be bothered by the microtia, feelings of self-consciousness may potentially develop over time. Children generally become very aware and curious of differences in their bodies around the age of 4 or 5. By the age of 6 or 7, children begin to tease other children who do not look 'normal.' As a result, the child with a microtic ear may not be accepted by other children of the same age. This can produce feelings of self-consciousness and inadequacy. How is microtia treated?There are three possible treatments for a child with microtia. The first option is to do nothing or to attempt to camouflage the missing ear by wearing long hair and covering the affected area; however, if not successful this could impact the child's self image as times goes on. The second option is an artificial ear, or a prosthesis, that can be worn to hide the microtic ear. The ear prosthesis requires replacement about twice a year to keep the size and color matched to the child's growth. The third option is to surgically correct the microtia. Surgical correction is done in a series of staged ear reconstructions and can be completed within two years. It is important to realize that surgical correction alone may not be sufficient in ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of your child. What can I do if my child has microtia?The best way to learn about all of the options available to you and your child is to speak with a physician who specializes in caring for children with "craniofacial anomalies" or deformities of the face and skull. Craniofacial anomalies, including microtia, are typically quite complex because they can impact a broad spectrum of issues, including hearing, speech, vision, emotional health, among others. Experience has shown that no single physician can adequately evaluate and treat all of these issues. Thus, the University of Michigan's Pediatric Plastic Surgery department recommends utilizes a multi-disciplinary treatment approach that includes a team of physicians from many different disciplines who will evaluate and care for your child. List of Physicians Who Perform Microtia SurgeryFor details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages: |
