Related topic
Hearing and ear development
Parents often ask whether an unusual ear shape affects hearing. For most outer ear shape differences, such as a fold or a prominent ear, hearing is not affected because the ear canal and inner ear are separate structures. Hearing still needs to be checked for every baby, and some ear findings call for a closer look.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Byrd, MD on
Outer ear shape and hearing
The outer ear (the part you can see) collects sound, but hearing depends mainly on the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear and inner ear. A folded or prominent outer ear usually has a normal ear canal. When the ear canal is narrow or closed, as can happen with microtia, hearing on that side may be reduced.
Newborn hearing screening
Most babies have a hearing screen before leaving the hospital or in the first weeks. If your baby does not pass in one or both ears, it does not necessarily mean hearing loss, but follow-up testing with an audiologist is important. Your pediatrician or the hospital will arrange it.
When further evaluation may be recommended
- Your baby did not pass the newborn hearing screen
- Part of the outer ear is missing or the ear canal looks narrow or closed
- There are ear tags or pits along with other findings
- You have concerns about how your baby responds to sound
Who helps with hearing
A pediatric audiologist tests hearing, and a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) evaluates the ear canal and middle ear. EarWell Centers focuses on outer ear shape and does not provide hearing testing or hearing treatment.
Questions about hearing
Does an unusual outer ear shape affect hearing?
Usually not for shape differences such as folds or prominence, because hearing depends mainly on the ear canal and inner ear. Hearing can be affected when the ear canal is narrow or closed.
What if my baby did not pass the newborn hearing screen?
Follow up with the audiology testing your pediatrician or hospital arranges. Not passing a screen does not always mean hearing loss, but it needs checking.
When is a further hearing evaluation needed?
After a failed screen, when part of the ear is missing or the canal is narrow, or if you have concerns about how your baby responds to sound.
Does EarWell Centers test hearing?
No. We focus on outer ear shape. Your pediatrician can refer you to an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Questions about your baby’s ears?
Request an evaluation with EarWell Centers or call our team. We will help you understand the next step.