Effects and options for Microtia
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Microtia is the under or maldevelopment of the ear upon birth that occurs in about 1 of every 8,000-10,000 births. The effects range from an 'unusual' looking ear to complete hearing loss in one ear, when unilateral microtia, or both ears in bilateral microtia.
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Typically a child who is born with microtia will suffer only from unilateral microtia affecting his or her right ear.
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A child with this birth defect will have either one or both ears falling under one of the following four levels of the microtia birth defect.
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First level microtia
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A microtia of the least degree, an ear deformity of this level is signified by a nearly complete ear with recognizable ear-like structures. The ear also has an identifiable external ear canal. Hearing is generally not significantly affected at this level of microtia.
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Second level microtia
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In microtia of the second level the ear is partially developed and the ear canal is present, but suffers a stenotic, or significantly narrowed/closed off ear canal. It usually it is the top section of the ear that is underdeveloped in this level of the birth defect and the child suffers some issues with hearing.
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Third level microtia
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Microtia of the third level is diagnosed by significant malformation of the external ear, which resembles a small peanut-like form of cartilage. Also, the external ear canal and ear drum are completely absent in this level of microtia. Grade III microtia is the most common form of microtia and hearing loss is usually complete.
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Fourth level microtia
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Children born with microtia of the forth level have no visible pinna (outer ear). This specific level of microtia is refered to as 'anotia', or sometimes as 'microtia-anotia' as both conditions same from the same birth defect.
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Possible options for curing microtia
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Thankfully, though, this birth defect usually only affects the outer ear, or the 'pinna', and leaves the inner ear intact and functional. This offers some hopeful options open to those who deal with microtia!
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Treating microtia by Ear Prosthesis Surgery
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Prosthetics have come a long way, and the ear is not an exception to the trend. In short, an ear is created to match the patient. The new ear would be attached via magnets attaching to hidden screws in the scull and, unless closely examined, seems a normal ear.
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One with a prosthetic ear would only need to dedicate a few minutes of daily care to the ear. While this surgery is very advantageous the ear would not grow and this may eventually require a new ear to be made.
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Treating microtia by Rib Cartilage Graft Reconstruction Surgery
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One of the most desirable types of surgery for microtia. Cartilage is taken from the patients rib cage and sculpted to form an ear. Most surgeons require the child to be of at least eight years of age, to ensure enough rib cartilage for safe samples to be taken. The ear is accepted as 'local material' and will grow along with the child. In all respects this new ear is essentially a natural ear!
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Some other types of surgery and treatments exist for microtia. Consider talking with a medical professional and finding what is right for you.
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Microtia is the under or maldevelopment of the ear upon birth that occurs in about 1 of every 8,000-10,000 births. The effects range from an 'unusual' looking ear to complete hearing loss.... Learn more at Microtia and child
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