The Why’s and How’s of Infant Ear Deformities

We’ve all seen—and known—people with unusual looking ears. Some are pointed on top, like elf ears. Some stick out from the head. Sometimes they look crinkled or “smashed,” as if the ears failed to unfold. Prior to 2009, children with misshapen ears had no option for treatment until they reached school age, at which time their parents could opt for an expensive and painful otoplasty (aka “ear pinning” surgery) to create more perfect ears.

How Common Are Ear Deformities?

About 30% of all babies are born with ear deformities, although they vary in type and severity.

What Causes Ear Deformities?

Most ear deformities are created in the womb, as the baby lies on the ears in a manner that affects their shape. Sometimes the ears become misshapen during the baby’s exit from the birth canal, particularly if delivery is lengthy.

Won’t My Baby’s Ear Deformity Just Go Away With Time?

It almost makes sense to think this as, if deformed ears were caused by pressure exerted during pregnancy or delivery, once that pressure is relieved, the ears should become normal in appearance, right? If only it were so. In fact, only about 20% of misshapen baby ears will resolve on their own. The other 80% will be with those children throughout their lifetimes unless their parents either obtain EarWell treatment or wait until the child is school-aged, at which point a surgeon can perform an otoplasty.

EarWell vs. Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

EarWell
• Applied within the first 3 weeks after birth
• Painless
• Non-surgical
• No recovery time required
• Improvement is permanent
• 98% of all babies’ ears are perfect after EarWell treatment
• The cost is most often covered by health insurance, including military and public assistance plans

Otoplasty
• Can be performed at any time after a child is about 5 years old
• Otoplasty (ear pinning) is a surgical procedure
• Bulky dressing is uncomfortable for most children
• Postop swelling often persists for 30 days or longer
• Improvement is permanent
• Health insurance rarely, if ever, covers this expensive cosmetic surgery option

Why Wait?

When parents recognize that early EarWell treatment is painless, brief and almost always covered in full or in part by health insurance, they choose EarWell. Prompt treatment also avoids the risk of teasing by other children, which can lead to lifelong repercussions.

Common Types of Infant Ear Deformities

1. Stahl’s Ear
o Also known as “Spock ear,” this deformity has an extra fold in the cartilage of the ear, creating a pointed shape.
2. Cup Ear or Constricted Ear
o Characterized by a smaller, cup-like ear that may be folded forward. The rim of the ear may be tight and close to the head.
3. Lop Ear
o Involves a fold in the upper part of the ear that causes it to “flop” or bend forward, making the ear less prominent.
4. Prominent Ears
o While not a deformity in the classic sense, prominent ears (ears that stick out from the head) are often addressed early, as they can be a source of concern for parents.
5. Microtia
o A more severe deformity where the ear is underdeveloped or missing parts. This is a more complex condition often requiring surgical intervention.
6. Cryptotia
o Part of the ear cartilage is hidden beneath the scalp skin, making the ear look partly “buried.”
7. Helical Rim Defects
o Deformities in the rim of the ear, sometimes presenting as small notches or irregular shapes.

Treatment Options

• Ear Molding (Non-surgical)
o Many deformities, especially those involving cartilage, respond well to ear molding, which reshapes the ear by applying gentle pressure. The best results occur when treatment begins within the first few weeks after birth, while the cartilage is still pliable.
• Surgical Correction
o In cases where non-surgical options are not effective or possible (e.g., microtia), surgery may be considered, usually once the child is older and cartilage has developed fully (typically after age 5 or 6).
• Monitoring
o Some minor deformities may improve on their own as the child grows, so observation is sometimes recommended if the deformity is not severe or affecting hearing.

If parents notice any unusual shapes or abnormalities in their infant’s ears, consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric ear specialist can help determine the best course of action.