Why Stahl’s Ear Won’t Fix Itself—and Why Early Treatment Matters
About 33% of all babies are born with an external ear deformity—ears that stick out (protuberant or protruding ears), ears that are too curled over at the top, ears that are pointed at the top, and ears that are unusual looking within the outer ear. See photos below for examples.
Does your newborn have an external ear deformity? Do you suspect—or already know—that the deformity is called Stahls ear? Let’s talk about the cause of Stahl’s ear, how to identify it and what to do to “remold” your baby’s ear deformity to a normal shape.
What is Stahl’s Ear?
Stahl’s ear is an external ear deformity in which there is an extra cartilage fold in the ear, most often in the upper third of the ear. The ear may be pointed at the top, like an elf ear, or flat at the top, instead of being nicely rounded. It occurs before birth while the baby is still in the womb. Stahls ear deformity is sometimes accompanied by protuberant ears, or ears that stick out too far from the head. It can occur in one or in both ears.
What Causes Stahl’s Ear?
Stahls ear is caused by an abnormal development of the ear cartilage. It is a congenital ear deformity—that means it forms prior to birth. It is seldom an inherited trait, as it occurs intermittently among children. A family may have had other biological children before the child with Stahls ear and none of them were born with unusual looking ears. It is not likely to be a result of anything the mother did while pregnant. Children with a Stahl’s ear deformity do not usually have a hearing deficit unless caused by another disorder, but not caused by Stahl’s ear.
Why Early Treatment Matters with Stahl’s Ear Deformity
Timing is very important for several reasons if your child has a Stahls ear deformity.
- Stahl’s Ear Will Not Improve on Its Own
Some—although not many—external ear deformities will improve with time. Stahl’s ear is not one of them because it is caused by extra cartilage and abnormal folds in the ear, not just soft tissue misalignment. As the baby grows and the ear cartilage stiffens, the shape of the ear is permanently set and only surgery can change it.
- The Baby’s Ears Will “Harden” Within Weeks After Birth
At birth, your baby has a large store of estrogen—the female hormone that passes from the mother to the child during pregnancy. This estrogen is what makes your baby’s nose and ears so soft and pliable. These estrogen stores will rapidly decrease after birth and, in general, will be very low at and after the six-week mark compared to the levels at birth. This is why ear molding treatment with EarWell is most effective when applied as soon after birth as possible, because that’s when the baby’s estrogen levels are still high enough that the ears are easily reshaped.
- Kids Who “Look Different” Are Teased or Even Bullied by Others
Nobody wants their baby to be made fun of by kids at daycare, preschool or as they grow older. Sometimes, even close relatives and friends will say something about a child’s ears, not knowing that it causes emotional discomfort to the little one. The problem is, if treatment isn’t accomplished before the child reaches the age when he or she understands that he or she is “different” from others, the damage can last their entire lives, even after the ears are fixed with surgery. EarWell is applied well before your baby will be identified as “different” by others.
- If EarWell is Not Applied Early Enough, Surgery is the Only Alternative
Ear surgery (called otoplasty):
- Involves anesthesia, incisions and sutures,
- Has a risk of infection, as with any surgery,
- Requires the child to wear a dressing afterwards,
- Requires parents or caregivers to monitor the child’s need for pain medication, fiddling with the dressing, etc.
- Costs thousands of dollars and is not covered by health insurance, as it is considered a “cosmetic” surgery procedure.
EarWell, by comparison:
- Is painless,
- Is non-surgical,
- Provides fast resolution (weeks),
- Has no recovery time,
- Requires no intervention by parents or caregivers, and
- Is most often covered by health insurance, including public and military insurance.
We know that you, like any parent, want the best for your child.
EarWell is the best solution to an external ear deformity such as Stahl’s.
What Is Your Next Step?
Go to the EarWell Physician Provider locator page and insert your information to find the specially trained EarWell physician nearest you. If you have any trouble using the system or can’t find a physician nearby, call us at 866-431-0480
