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Sub-Category:

Outer Ear Malformations

Number of Conditions: 1

Microtia (Underdeveloped Outer Ear)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Congenital and Developmental Ear Disorders

Sub-category: Outer Ear Malformations

Symptoms:
underdeveloped or absent external ear structure; hearing loss (conductive); asymmetry of the ears

Root Cause:
Incomplete development of the outer ear during fetal growth, often associated with genetic mutations or environmental factors during pregnancy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination at birth, imaging studies like CT or MRI to assess the middle and inner ear, and audiological testing to evaluate hearing function.

Treatment:
Surgical reconstruction of the ear (e.g., rib cartilage graft or prosthetic ear), bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) for hearing restoration, and speech therapy if hearing loss impacts language development.

Medications:
No specific medications treat Microtia directly. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if infections occur in associated ear abnormalities.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 6,000 to 12,000 live births globally; more common in males and on the right side of the head.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, maternal diabetes, maternal use of isotretinoin (acne medication), or exposure to teratogens during pregnancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate surgical or prosthetic intervention; most individuals can achieve functional hearing and improved aesthetic appearance.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hearing impairment, social or psychological distress due to appearance, and possible association with syndromes like Treacher Collins or Goldenhar syndrome.