Microtia - Know Some Facts About It
The day of your child's birth is one of the most joyous days of your life.
You count- 10 fingers and 10 toes, but something is not right with his ears.
They are misshapen and underdeveloped.
OK, so the day isn't actually here yet, but you have a list of what ifs and what could go wrong on that day.
Even though it is extremely rare, microtia is just one of the many things you worry about as your baby grows and prepares to enter the world.
This is a condition where the external ear is deformed or missing.
Here are the basic facts about microtia to get your research started if you are really worried about it or if your baby has been born with it: 1.
Hearing is affected.
In the malformed one, especially when there is no canal, aids are recommended.
Often times, if one has microtia but the other is normal, hearing on the normal side can still be affected.
2.
There are treatment options.
Surgery can rebuild the hearing organ.
These aids can be attached when hearing in either ear is compromised.
Or, a prosthesis can be attached if surgery is not desired.
3.
Surgery occurs in phases depending on severity.
In 4-5 stages, the external canal is slowly rebuilt making the most natural-looking one possible.
Because healing has to occur between each phase, it can take more than a year for the final result to be seen.
4.
Donor tissue is used to build it.
Rib cartilage is actually harvested to serve as the framework for the new ear.
Skin grafts, typically from the buttocks, are also used.
5.
It is uncommon.
If you are fretting over what all could be wrong with your baby before he is born, this condition should not consume too much of your time.
It is very rare- 1 in 10,000 babies may be born with malformed ears.
6.
Usually occurs on the right side but may occur in both ears.
If your baby is born with a deformed or non-existent ear, start looking at your options now.
The most important thing is to determine your child's hearing capabilities and have the aids attached as soon as possible.
Surgical correction is typically begun at about 6 years of age or before they start first grade.
It is at this point that children start taking notice of differences and there can be a psychological impact on the child.
The intricate detail involved in this process means that you must find an experienced pediatric ear surgeon to work with you and your child.
If you find yourself having to deal with this condition, just remember that there is treatment to help your child thrive with confidence and a positive body image.
You count- 10 fingers and 10 toes, but something is not right with his ears.
They are misshapen and underdeveloped.
OK, so the day isn't actually here yet, but you have a list of what ifs and what could go wrong on that day.
Even though it is extremely rare, microtia is just one of the many things you worry about as your baby grows and prepares to enter the world.
This is a condition where the external ear is deformed or missing.
Here are the basic facts about microtia to get your research started if you are really worried about it or if your baby has been born with it: 1.
Hearing is affected.
In the malformed one, especially when there is no canal, aids are recommended.
Often times, if one has microtia but the other is normal, hearing on the normal side can still be affected.
2.
There are treatment options.
Surgery can rebuild the hearing organ.
These aids can be attached when hearing in either ear is compromised.
Or, a prosthesis can be attached if surgery is not desired.
3.
Surgery occurs in phases depending on severity.
In 4-5 stages, the external canal is slowly rebuilt making the most natural-looking one possible.
Because healing has to occur between each phase, it can take more than a year for the final result to be seen.
4.
Donor tissue is used to build it.
Rib cartilage is actually harvested to serve as the framework for the new ear.
Skin grafts, typically from the buttocks, are also used.
5.
It is uncommon.
If you are fretting over what all could be wrong with your baby before he is born, this condition should not consume too much of your time.
It is very rare- 1 in 10,000 babies may be born with malformed ears.
6.
Usually occurs on the right side but may occur in both ears.
If your baby is born with a deformed or non-existent ear, start looking at your options now.
The most important thing is to determine your child's hearing capabilities and have the aids attached as soon as possible.
Surgical correction is typically begun at about 6 years of age or before they start first grade.
It is at this point that children start taking notice of differences and there can be a psychological impact on the child.
The intricate detail involved in this process means that you must find an experienced pediatric ear surgeon to work with you and your child.
If you find yourself having to deal with this condition, just remember that there is treatment to help your child thrive with confidence and a positive body image.
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