Microtia

Also known as: congenital deformity of the outer ear.

What is microtia?

Microtia is a birth defect that affects the ear. When microtia is present, one of the ears is significantly smaller than the other.

What causes microtia?

The exact cause of microtia isn’t clear. It can occur as an isolated anomaly or as part of a genetic syndrome.

What are the symptoms of microtia?

Symptoms vary based on the severity of the microtia. In some cases, the ear just looks slightly misshapen. Other times, the ear is significantly smaller. It can also be associated with hearing impairment.

What are microtia care options?

Reconstructive surgery can be used to reconstruct an esthetically pleasing ear. Hearing impairment is often addressed with the use of a hearing aid. In some cases, hearing is addressed by reconstructing the external ear canal.