Microtia/ Atresia
Ear, Eye & Head Conditions
Real Life Success Stories
FACTS:
- Microtia is when the outside part of the ear is not properly formed. Atresia is a condition when the opening to the ear is closed.
- Microtia occurs more commonly in males and on the right side (unilateral). Approximately 10% may occur on both sides (bilateral).
- The ear does not form properly when the baby is growing in the womb; it may be cause by a decreased blood flow. Also maternal medications and environmental factors have also been questioned
- The child can have microtia, atresia, or both. One or both ears may be affected.
- If the ear canal is closed, the hearing may be somewhat limited in that ear, but the child may still be able to hear. or the middle ear may not be completely formed, and the child may have little or no hearing in that ear.
- Sometimes the child also has a cleft lip/palate or other facial conditions such as hemifacial microsomia.
- These children have normal intelligence and are healthy.
TREATMENT:
- If the hearing is affected, surgery can open the ear canals. Cosmetic surgery can be performed to create a normal looking ear. This is usually done when a child's face growth is complete. This age varies from child to child and is done with consultatation of a plastic surgeon.
- Children with hearing loss can sometimes benefit from hearing aids or a surgical treatment.
- Children with hearing loss learn using their other senses, especially their vision. Use pictures and gestures to help the child understand and communicate. Show them what you want them to do and allow them to watch the other children.
- In the classroom, special aids like microphones and amplifiers for the teacher may be used to help children with hearing loss to succeed.
