Microtia is an abnormality where a child’s inner ear is malformed and underdeveloped. This defect can attack one ear or both, and it happens unilaterally. There are five microtia cases in ten thousand children in the US, and it occurs in the following grades;
- Grade 1- the child might have external ears that look small but normal but a missing ear canal.
- Grade 2- the child’s bottom ear area, including the earlobe, usually looks developed. However, the top third looks malformed and small. The ear canal might also be missing or narrow in this grade.
- Grade 3 is the most widespread microtia type in children and infants, and the child might have undeveloped ears. Children have no ear canals at this stage.
- Grade 4- is the most severe type of microtia. The child has anotia bilaterally or unilaterally if the ear canal is absent.
Below we dive right into all you should know about microtia.
Microtia Causes
Microtia happens during the first pregnancy trimester since it is the initial development stage. Microtia’s cause remains unknown but is linked to alcohol or drug abuse. The main identifiable factor is using acne medication when pregnant. This medicine is associated with many congenital issues, including microtia.
Diabetes is another factor that puts the child at risk. Diabetic mothers have higher chances of delivering micritic children than others. Microtia is not genetically inherited and, in most cases, occurs in children with no past issues.
Microtia can skip generations even though most of its cases are not hereditary. Mothers with children in this condition also have higher chances of delivering another in the same situation.
Microtia Diagnosis
The child’s doctor should detect this condition by observing. These will examine the nose, ear, and throat using a pediatric audiologist or a CAT scan. The audiologists evaluate the child’s hearing loss intensity and confirm if the earlobe is absent or present.
The child’s ENT also advises you on the best treatment options or reconstructive surgery. Microtia is unlike other congenital disabilities, which means the specialist can rule out specific diagnoses. The doctor can also suggest an ultrasound to evaluate the kidney’s development.
Treatment Choices
Some parents decide not to perform surgical procedures. For example, this process cannot be done to infants. These parents wait until the child is older for these surgeries to occur. Microtia surgeries are more accessible in older children because there is much cartilage for grafting.
Below are the top microtia treatment options;
- Rib Cartilage Surgery
Your child will undergo four procedures throughout the year if you pick this treatment option. Rib cartilage is eliminated from the child’s chest and used to make an ear replica. This ear is then implanted beneath the skin at the ear’s location.
After the cartilage is fitted in the ear, different surgeries and grafts are carried out thoroughly. Microtia treatment is possible with a button, but you should first contact your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Microtia is a common condition that affects small children. It entails malfunctioned ears and can be treated using the above methods. The above article has discussed all you should know about this condition, and you can reach out for more information.
