Microtia means the outer ear is smaller and less fully formed than usual. It is uncommon, which can make it feel isolating when it affects your family. This article explains what usually happens next.
How common is it?
Microtia is considered a rare condition, seen in a small fraction of births. It more often affects one ear than both. If you would like precise figures, your pediatrician or specialist team can point you to current population data.
What causes it?
In most cases there is no single known cause. Sometimes microtia occurs with other findings, which is why your pediatrician examines your baby as a whole and may suggest a genetics assessment. It is not caused by anything parents did. Genetics and associated conditions.
Hearing comes first
When the ear canal is narrow or closed, hearing on that side may be reduced. Follow-up with an audiologist after the newborn hearing screen is an important first step. Hearing and ear development.
Can ear molding help?
No. Molding can only reshape tissue that is already present. It cannot create missing skin or cartilage. Families with microtia usually work with an audiologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist and a craniofacial or plastic surgery team. Microtia and anotia.
Questions about microtia
How common is microtia?
It is uncommon and more often affects one ear than both. Your care team can share current figures.
What causes microtia?
Usually there is no single known cause. Sometimes it occurs with other findings, so your pediatrician may suggest further checks.
Will my baby be able to hear?
Hearing on the affected side may be reduced if the ear canal is narrow or closed. An audiologist will test your baby’s hearing.
Can ear molding treat microtia?
No. Molding reshapes existing tissue and cannot create missing tissue.
Who treats microtia?
An audiologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist and a craniofacial or plastic surgery team, usually coordinated by your pediatrician.
