What Is Microtia?
Microtia is a congenital condition where the external ear is underdeveloped. Here is what to know.
Microtia is a birth defect in which the external ear (pinna) is small, misshapen, or missing. It ranges from slightly small to completely absent.
Grades of microtia:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | The ear is small but has normal structure |
| Grade 2 | Partially formed ear, usually smaller than normal |
| Grade 3 | A small peanut-shaped remnant of cartilage, no ear canal (most common) |
| Grade 4 | Anotia β complete absence of the ear |
- What causes microtia:
- The exact cause is unknown
- May involve genetic and environmental factors
- Most cases are not inherited
- Slightly more common in males
- More common on the right side
- Associated conditions:
- Hearing loss β conductive hearing loss on the affected side (because the ear canal and middle ear are often abnormal)
- Hemifacial microsomia β underdevelopment of the lower face on the same side (commonly associated)
- Goldenhar syndrome β microtia with eye and spinal anomalies
Treatment:
- Hearing:
- Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA or Ponto) for sound conduction
- Conventional hearing aids if the ear canal is present
- Hearing in the normal ear is usually adequate
- Reconstruction:
- Rib graft reconstruction (ages 6β10): Cartilage from the ribs is carved into the shape of an ear
- Medpor implant: A synthetic implant can be used instead of rib cartilage
- Prosthetic ear: A realistic artificial ear attached with magnets or adhesive
Clinical Guidance
Microtia is an underdeveloped external ear that ranges from small to absent. It causes hearing loss on the affected side but can be treated with hearing aids and ear reconstruction. Children with microtia develop normally with appropriate support.