Anotia Infant Ear or Anotia
help from multidisciplinary doctors
SCROLL
Anotia Infant Ear or Anotia
help from multidisciplinary doctors
SCROLL
Anotia Infant Ear is characterized by the absence of the entire outer part of the ear. This ear deformity is the most severe grade IV microtia ear deformity and is relatively rare (one to two infants in 10,000 births). It most commonly occurs in one ear, but it also occurs bilaterally. Most anotia patients have middle and inner ear structures but often suffer from conductive hearing loss. In this condition, sound waves have difficulty penetrating the ear and being heard. This is usually a condition that can be improved during the course of anotia treatment.
Can Anotia be corrected?
The cause of anotia deformity is not entirely clear, it occurs in about 40% of cases in association with congenital disorders such as Goldenhar and Treacher-Collings syndrome and AMS. External disorders such as maternal diabetes, drug use or malnutrition (insufficient folic acid or carbohydrates) may also contribute to the disturbance of normal ear growth.
Unfortunately, this severe deformity of the infant ear cannot be treated with the EarWell® system. Treatment is provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists: An otolaryngologist assesses hearing and develops the treatment plan. A speech-language pathologist is often recommended to support speech development. A plastic surgeon performs auricular reconstruction (between the ages of six and ten). This is usually done in several steps or surgeries.
