Cryptotia Ear Deformity: The Path from Diagnosis to Treatment

Nothing matches the thrill of seeing and holding your brand-new baby. After you’ve checked to confirm that your infant is perfect in every way, you might notice something “different” about your baby’s newborn ears. There are many types of ear deformities, such as Stahl’s ear, prominent ears, constricted ear, conchal crus deformities, and others that are described by Becon Medical staff in this website, but the one that is the fourth most common newborn ear deformity is called cryptotia. 

What is Cryptotia?

Cryptotia is an outer ear deformity in which the upper part of the ear is partly buried underneath the skin, hiding the top of the ear. Essentially, it looks like the top of the ear is tucked into the scalp. The word cryptotia comes from the Greek: Otos translates to ear and crypto means hidden: “hidden ear.” 

Here are some examples of cryptotia: cr

While cryptotia is not usually associated with hearing loss, such as in microtia or anotia, individuals with cryptotia often experience skin irritation in that area and find it challenging to wear glasses. 

What Causes a Cryptotia Newborn Ear Deformity?

• Cryptotia most often occurs between the 3^rd and 6^th months of pregnancy when the external ear forms. 
• If the superior auricular muscle is underdeveloped or atypically attached, it could pull the ear cartilage underneath the scalp skin, preventing it from unfurling normally.
• Although cryptotia most often occurs randomly, i.e., without a clear family history, studies show that individuals of East Asian ancestry have a higher incidence, although no specific gene has been identified. 
• There is some speculation that a baby’s position in the womb can contribute to cryptotia. For example, if the baby’s head is pressed against the uterine wall in a way that affects ear development, it could influence the ear’s final shape and position. 
• Although cryptotia most often occurs in isolation, it is also seen in infants with other congenital craniofacial syndromes. 

There is no evidence that environmental factors like maternal illness, age, diet, or toxin exposure directly causes cryptotia. In other words, if your baby has cryptotia, it isn’t because of something you did. 

How is a Cryptotia Ear Deformity Diagnosed?

An examination of your baby’s ears by one of our EarWell physicians is the fastest and best way to discover whether your baby has an ear deformity and, specifically, a Cryptotia ear deformity. When our trained EarWell physicians look at your newborn’s ears, they look for things that make it stand out. 

Your newborn is in good hands with EarWell,

whether he or she has a Cryptotia ear deformity or another birth defect

Knowing how to spot the signs of Cryptotia ears abnormality is important for finding it early and choosing the best way to fix it. Early diagnosis can lead to more treatment choices, such as non-surgical options like EarWell, that can change the shape of your baby’s ears without needing to have surgery later on. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to get professional help from an EarWell expert. You can use our Physician Locator Tool to find one near you right away. If you have any difficulties with the tool on our website or can’t find an EarWell physician near you, reach out to us by phone at 630-357-7374.

There Are Two Treatments for Cryptotia Ears Deformity

1. Ear Molding To Treat Cryptotia Ear Deformity

The most successful way to treat external birth deformities like Cryptotia in babies’ ears (without surgery) is through ear molding with EarWell, which is, essentially, the application of an extremely soft “mold” that feels like silicone. EarWell must be applied to the baby’s ears as soon as possible after birth, which is key to success. This is essential because your newborn baby’s ear cartilage is very easy to reshape immediately after birth and up to about four weeks of age. Molding doesn’t work on older babies or bigger kids because their ear cartilage has hardened by then. 

Therefore, the sooner this painless and non-surgical option is given to your baby, the sooner your baby’s ears will look normal. Another advantage of an EarWell for your baby is that it doesn’t involve surgery, sutures or anesthesia, your baby will likely not notice EarWell at all, and it’s all done during two or three office visits. The success rate of EarWell is extremely high, with resolution of many external ear deformities within a 6-week time period. Furthermore, most health insurance companies cover the cost of EarWell, including military coverage and Medicaid/Calcaid.

As parents and providers, it’s our job to make sure that our children don’t have to deal with mental health problems due to something we could have fixed when they were babies. 

If you have a baby with a Cryptotia ears deformity, don’t worry. If you catch it early, ear shaping with EarWell can enable you to treat it without surgery. This gentle method of reshaping works best when the cartilage is still soft, which should be in the first four weeks 

2. The Surgical Option for Cryptotia Ears Deformities

If, in the rare case (most often due to delay of application), EarWell cannot resolve your child’s Cryptotia ear deformity, surgery is the other option. An otoplasty (ear-reshaping surgery) is an outpatient procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to reshape the ears. 

The are several downsides to ear surgery:

1. An otoplasty cannot be done until your child is 5 or 6 years of age. During this time period, your child may be exposed to teasing—even bullying—from other children, leading to psychological problems that may not go away even after ear reshaping.
2. Otoplasty is surgery, which includes anesthesia, sutures, dressings and discomfort. There is also the risk (as with all surgical procedures) of infection. 
3. Most children do not deal well with pain and dressings post-surgery. 
4. Recovery time is needed after ear surgery, generally 1-2 weeks.
5. An otoplasty is considered an elective plastic surgery procedure and is almost never covered by health insurance. EarWell has been covered by almost all health insurance providers since its inception.

The Importance of Early Cryptotia Ear Treatment

All of us want to be liked and accepted by our peers, and children are no different. When a child has an obvious physical flaw, like a Cryptotia ear deformity, they are more likely to be rejected by other kids who may tease them, since the shape of the ear doesn’t match those of the other children in their group.

Having to deal with rude words or stares isn’t the only effect of a physical difference. 

Living with a visible physical difference can have a big impact on a child’s mental health and sense of self-worth. Kids in school become more aware of how they are different as they spend more time with friends who might not understand or accept these differences. According to studies, the number of teasing incidents rises greatly after age 7. At first look, the comments might not seem harmful, but over time, they could hurt your child’s sense of self-worth. 

Considering the information shared above, why wouldn’t you opt for EarWell, a painless, nonsurgical and early resolution to Cryptotia ear deformity, performed long before your baby is teased by others due to his or her odd-looking pointy ears?

Seeking Treatment for Cryptotia Ears Deformity

If you suspect your child may have a Cryptotia ear deformity, the first step is to contact one of our EarWell physicians. Click the link to your left and follow the prompts to find a specially trained EarWell provider. If you have any difficulties, just click contact us Alternatively, you can call us at 630-357-7374.

EarWell resolution to your child’s external ear deformity, whether Cryptotia or another external ear deformity, will provide a sense of normalcy and self-esteem to your child.