Microtia - An Overview of the Disorder

For parents who have had a child born with microtia, it's easy to see the challenges the child will face. In a society obsessed with physical appearance, a deformity of any kind will immediately become a barrier for a child who wants to be accepted. Children—and people in general—are extraordinarily insecure about themselves.

One of the easiest ways to make sure they are part of the in-group is to see to it that others are excluded. Often, this means anyone who looks different. As a parent, you have several options available to you when it comes to handling this challenge.

Before you begin to tackle these challenges, it's necessary to understand what exactly you're dealing with. Microtia is a deformity that comes about congenitally, with a rarity of approximately one in a thousand. The disorder causes either one or both ears to appear deformed in the pinna, or outer ear. It is often associated with syndromes that may cause additional problems or may only manifest with the deformity.

The effect on the outer ear is sometimes accompanied by deformity in the inner ear, which can cause some degree of hearing loss. If your doctor is unfamiliar with the condition and what must be done to protect the child's hearing, you should find someone who is trained and experienced in the disorder.

There are a number of options open to a parent of a child with microtia. If hearing loss is a factor, various hearing aids can help the child be able to use his senses to his fullest potential. Bring an audiologist on board so you know exactly what you're dealing with in terms of disability. If hearing loss is not a factor, all you have to address on the cosmetic deformities. Of course, this is not to be downplayed in any way. It would be a mistake to simply assume that these deformities will not cause the child to have severe self esteem and social problems.

Once this child has reached a certain age (typically between seven and ten, depending on both the child and the surgeon), surgery becomes an option. Using cartilage from the rib cage, a surgeon can craft a new ear. For younger children or those unwilling to use such an invasive option, a prosthetic ear may also be an option. This form of surgery, however, is still in its fledgling stages and may not be available where you live. Talk over the options you have with an experienced ear surgeon.