WHAT IS MICROTIA?

Microtia is the term used to describe a small, misshapen or absent ear. It is a congenital birth defect. It can occur unilaterally (on one side), or bilaterally, (on both sides). Unilateral microtia is 3-6 times more likely to occur than bilateral microtia. It is also more common to occur on the right hand side and more common in boys than girls. It is a rare condition affecting one in 10,000-20,000 babies. Microtia usually occurs in conjunction with a narrow or missing ear canal. This condition is called Congenital Aural Atresia, and is associated with a conductive hearing loss.

There are different grades of microtia from one to grade three, depending on the severity. Microtia is usually isolated, but may occur in conjunction with syndromes such as hemifacial microsomia, treacher collins, or goldenhaar syndrome.

Microtia can cause difficulties with wearing headphones and glasses. It is also occasionally associated with syndromes that can cause balance problems, kidney problems, and jaw problems, and more rarely, heart defects and vertebral deformities.

Multidisciplinary Team Consultations:

For patients with microtia & congenital aural atresia a multidisciplinary team approach is advised and should include the paediatrician, plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist (ie, head and neck surgeon), audiologist, speech pathologist, educational consultant, psychologist, craniofacial team and ENT.