Microtia facts for kids

Microtia means 'small ear'. It is a condition where the outer part of the ear does not form completely. Most of the time, only one ear is affected, but sometimes both ears can be small or misshapen. This condition happens more often in boys than in girls, and the right ear is usually affected more than the left. About 1 in every 1,000 people are born with microtia. It can sometimes affect how well a person hears.

What are the Types of Microtia?

Doctors describe microtia in four different levels, called grades. These grades help explain how much the ear is affected:

• Grade I: The ear is a little smaller than usual, but it still has most of its normal parts. The ear canal, which leads to the eardrum, is also present, though it might be a bit small.
• Grade II: Part of the ear is missing or not fully formed. The ear canal might be very narrow or completely closed. This can make it harder to hear because sound cannot travel easily to the eardrum.
• Grade III: This is the most common type. Most of the outer ear is missing, and only a small, peanut-shaped piece of skin and cartilage might be left. The ear canal and eardrum are usually completely missing.
• Grade IV: This is called "anotia," which means the entire outer ear is missing.

How is Microtia Treated?

For people with Grade III microtia, surgery can often help create a new outer ear. This can improve how the ear looks and, in some cases, help with hearing. Doctors work to build an ear that looks as natural as possible.

Images for kids

• 

  Bilateral microtia without auditory canals in a 9-year-old boy, 1920

See also

In Spanish: Microtia para niños