Microtia is a congenital abnormality, meaning it is present at birth. The child’s outer part of the ear is either not fully developed or missing. This happens when the child’s ear does not form as it should during the early stages of pregnancy. In most cases, just one ear is affected. This is called unilateral microtia. In 15-18% of cases, both ears are affected, which is called bilateral microtia.
Microtia is a congenital abnormality, meaning it is present at birth. The child’s outer part of the ear is either not fully developed or missing. This happens when the child’s ear does not form as it should during the early stages of pregnancy. In most cases, just one ear is affected. This is called unilateral microtia. In 10% of cases, both ears are affected, which is called bilateral microtia.
What are the types of microtia?
There are four different grades of microtia, the most common involving aural atresia, the absence of or abnormally narrowed closure of the ear canal and eardrum.
Grade I: Slight abnormalities when compared to the opposite ear. Minor reconstructive surgery is an option.
Grade II: A partial ear, often with the upper half affected.
Grade III: There is no exterior ear canal or eardrum, and the external ear is very small. This is called microtia with aural atresia.
Grade IV: The absence of any ear structures, called anotia. This is very rare.
What causes microtia?
The cause of microtia is unknown. 95% of microtia patients have no family history of microtia, so we do know that it is not passed on genetically in most cases.
There is no evidence that it results from anything a mother did during pregnancy, so we want to reassure you this is not your fault. We hope you’ll replace those guilty feelings with hope, because today we are capable of so much when it comes to ear reconstruction.
What should I do about my child’s microtia?
You’ll start by seeing one of our pediatric audiologists. We’ll discuss the different solutions available to your child, such as:
• MEDPOR or Sup-or Ear Reconstruction
• Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction
• Silicone Prosthetic Ear Reconstruction
• Ear Canal or Eardrum Repair
There are four different grades of microtia, the most common involving aural atresia, the absence of or abnormally narrowed closure of the ear canal and eardrum.
Grade I: Slight abnormalities when compared to the opposite ear. Minor reconstructive surgery is an option.
Grade II: A partial ear, often with the upper half affected.
Grade III: There is no exterior ear canal or eardrum, and the external ear is very small. This is called microtia with aural atresia.
Grade IV: The absence of any ear structures, called anotia. This is very rare.
What causes microtia?
The cause of microtia is unknown. 95% of microtia patients have no family history of microtia, so we do know that it is not passed on genetically in most cases.
There is no evidence that it results from anything a mother did during pregnancy, so we want to reassure you this is not your fault. We hope you’ll replace those guilty feelings with hope, because today we are capable of so much when it comes to ear reconstruction.
What should I do about my child’s microtia?
You’ll start by seeing one of our pediatric audiologists. We’ll discuss the different solutions available to your child, such as:
• MEDPOR or Sup-or Ear Reconstruction
• Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction
• Silicone Prosthetic Ear Reconstruction
• Ear Canal or Eardrum Repair
These options will vary depending on the weight, age and size of the child, as well as the severity of his or her condition. If appropriate, you will be placed on a waiting list until the age or size is achieved for maximum results.
The microtia will be treated first, reconstructing the outer ear. Hearing restoration and treatment options will be reviewed as part of the overall plan.
The most important thing to know is that you will be in excellent hands with Little Baby Face Foundation. We have some of the world’s leading experts and surgeons in auricular reconstruction and audiology, and we are at the cutting edge of the latest technology to get your child the best care possible.
We create a caring, nurturing environment for all our children and their families. To get started, please complete the application below, and we’ll call you within a few days to schedule your child’s first appointment.
WARNING
The microtia will be treated first, reconstructing the outer ear. Hearing restoration and treatment options will be reviewed as part of the overall plan.
The most important thing to know is that you will be in excellent hands with Little Baby Face Foundation. We have some of the world’s leading experts and surgeons in auricular reconstruction and audiology, and we are at the cutting edge of the latest technology to get your child the best care possible.
We create a caring, nurturing environment for all our children and their families. To get started, please complete the application below, and we’ll call you within a few days to schedule your child’s first appointment.
WARNING
This gallery contains graphic images that some viewers sensitive to surgery & blood may find disturbing.
What are the types of microtia?
There are four different grades of microtia, the most common involving aural atresia, the absence of or abnormally narrowed closure of the ear canal and eardrum.
Grade I: Slight abnormalities when compared to the opposite ear. Minor reconstructive surgery is an option.
Grade II: A partial ear, often with the upper half affected.
Grade III: There is no exterior ear canal or eardrum, and the external ear is very small. This is called microtia with aural atresia.
Grade IV: The absence of any ear structures, called anotia. This is very rare.
What causes microtia?
The cause of microtia is unknown. 95% of microtia patients have no family history of microtia, so we do know that it is not passed on genetically in most cases.
There is no evidence that it results from anything a mother did during pregnancy, so we want to reassure you this is not your fault. We hope you’ll replace those guilty feelings with hope, because today we are capable of so much when it comes to ear reconstruction.
What should I do about my child’s microtia?
You’ll start by seeing one of our Little Baby Face Physicians. We’ll discuss the different solutions available to your child, such as:
• MEDPOR or SuPor Ear Reconstruction
• Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction
• Silicone Prosthetic Ear Reconstruction
• Hearing Restoration
• In the future 3D Autologist Printing
There are four different grades of microtia, the most common involving aural atresia, the absence of or abnormally narrowed closure of the ear canal and eardrum.
Grade I: Slight abnormalities when compared to the opposite ear. Minor reconstructive surgery is an option.
Grade II: A partial ear, often with the upper half affected.
Grade III: There is no exterior ear canal or eardrum, and the external ear is very small. This is called microtia with aural atresia.
Grade IV: The absence of any ear structures, called anotia. This is very rare.
What causes microtia?
The cause of microtia is unknown. 95% of microtia patients have no family history of microtia, so we do know that it is not passed on genetically in most cases.
There is no evidence that it results from anything a mother did during pregnancy, so we want to reassure you this is not your fault. We hope you’ll replace those guilty feelings with hope, because today we are capable of so much when it comes to ear reconstruction.
What should I do about my child’s microtia?
You’ll start by seeing one of our Little Baby Face Physicians. We’ll discuss the different solutions available to your child, such as:
• MEDPOR or SuPor Ear Reconstruction
• Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction
• Silicone Prosthetic Ear Reconstruction
• Hearing Restoration
• In the future 3D Autologist Printing
These options will vary depending on the weight, age and size of the child, as well as the severity of his or her condition. If appropriate, you will be placed on a waiting list until the age or size is achieved for maximum results.
The microtia will be treated first, reconstructing the outer ear. Hearing restoration and treatment options will be reviewed as part of the overall plan.
The most important thing to know is that you will be in excellent hands with Little Baby Face Foundation. We have some of the world’s leading experts and surgeons in auricular reconstruction and audiology, and we are at the cutting edge of the latest technology to get your child the best care possible.
We create a caring, nurturing environment for all our children and their families. To get started, please complete the application below, and we’ll call you within a few days to schedule your child’s first appointment.
WARNING
The microtia will be treated first, reconstructing the outer ear. Hearing restoration and treatment options will be reviewed as part of the overall plan.
The most important thing to know is that you will be in excellent hands with Little Baby Face Foundation. We have some of the world’s leading experts and surgeons in auricular reconstruction and audiology, and we are at the cutting edge of the latest technology to get your child the best care possible.
We create a caring, nurturing environment for all our children and their families. To get started, please complete the application below, and we’ll call you within a few days to schedule your child’s first appointment.
WARNING
This gallery contains graphic images that some viewers sensitive to surgery & blood may find disturbing.
If you’re new to this and wondering where to start, please complete the form below so we can get you on the right path. You’re not alone in this, and help is here for you whenever you’re ready.
If you’re new to this and wondering where to start, please complete the form below so we can get you on the right path. You’re not alone in this, and help is here for you whenever you’re ready.