Microtia is a condition affecting the structural development of one or both ears. It is a congenital condition, occurring during the early stages of one’s pregnancy, and it can be diagnosed as soon as the baby has been delivered. Researchers and healthcare providers have estimated that approximately 1 out of every 3,800 to 10,000 babies born in the United States are diagnosed with some form of microtia. While it is not a life-threatening condition, typically only affecting the structure of the ear, severe cases of microtia can impact hearing and create other challenges throughout a child’s life.

Causes & Risk Factors of Microtia

Microtia of the ear usually develops during the first trimester of pregnancy, but its exact causes and risk factors are still unclear. It can occur on its own in an otherwise healthy baby, but it can also develop alongside other congenital conditions. Microtia is also known to be hereditary in some cases, but it is almost always found in babies with parents who did not have this condition or any other congenital conditions affecting the ears.

There are some factors that could help reduce the risk for microtia in a baby (such as avoiding certain medication during pregnancy), though it isn’t yet possible to fully prevent a baby from being born with this condition.

Symptoms of Microtia of the Ear

The effects that microtia will have on a child will depend on the severity of the condition. These can include:

• An underdeveloped external ear, often resembling a peanut
• Absence of the ear canal
• Complete absence of the external ear, in the most extreme cases
• Hearing loss (aural atresia), which occurs when the ear canal is underdeveloped or absent

Children with microtia most commonly have only one affected ear, but it is possible for both ears to be affected.

Living With Microtia

Microtia can lead to emotional and psychological challenges during a child’s developmental years, due to the ear’s appearance and hearing loss effects. In addition, microtia of the ear may also make it difficult to wear glasses or face masks depending on the severity of the condition. However, microtia does not otherwise affect one’s physical development and ability to have an active lifestyle. Many people whose microtia caused aural atresia can seek treatment to help them manage their hearing loss.

Diagnosing Microtia of the Ear

Microtia can be observed and diagnosed by a doctor immediately after a baby has been delivered. This is how the condition is most often detected and diagnosed. Healthcare providers can also detect microtia with a CT scan, which can reveal underdevelopment in the middle and inner ear.

The Four Grades of Microtia

Doctors will grade the severity of microtia within a scale of one to four grades:

• Grade 1 – An ear that is smaller than normal and may have a slightly different shape, but still has all or most normal ear structures.
• Grade 2 – Typically, an ear with an underdeveloped top half. The ear canal may also be affected to some degree.
• Grade 3 – A small, completely underdeveloped ear that is shaped like a peanut, usually with no ear canal present. This is the most common form of microtia.
• Grade 4 – The complete absence of the external ear. This is also referred to as “anotia,” and it is the rarest form of microtia.

Treating Microtia

Microtia of the ear and related aural atresia symptoms can be treated. While there is not an instant “cure” that can be administered during infancy, microtia treatment can begin when a child is very young. This can include:

• Surgical procedures to reconstruct the external ear and, if necessary, the ear canal
• Hearing aids and assessments to help with speech and language development
• Prosthetic ears to improve aesthetics and enable children to wear glasses if needed

Certain surgical procedures can be performed when a child is 3 to 5 years old, but this depends largely on their grade of microtia. Your healthcare provider will help you determine when surgical treatment can safely begin.

Living With Hearing Loss Caused by Microtia of the Ear

An audiologist can test a child’s hearing to determine whether they suffer from aural atresia because of their microtia. If hearing loss is evident, the audiologist can recommend a treatment plan to help the child develop healthy communication skills despite their condition and monitor their hearing loss over time with periodic testing.

TGH’s Approach to Treating Microtia

Tampa General Hospital’s Ear, Nose & Throat Institute is renowned nationally for our skill and experience in treating children throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond who are living with microtia of the ear. Call (800) 822-3627 to schedule an appointment and learn how our team of experts can achieve world-class results for your child.