National Microtia Awareness Day: Answers to Common Questions
November 9th is Microtia Awareness Day. To acknowledge this occasion, Dr. John Reinisch and his team in Beverly Hills, CA, have decided to answer some of the most common questions that people have about microtia and microtia treatment.
Remember that the best way to learn about your treatment options is to set up a consultation with a skilled microtia specialist and ear reconstruction surgeon. For now, let’s provide some insight into the condition and what you can do.
What Is Microtia?
This is what you should know about microtia:
- Microtia is a condition that affects the development and size of the external ear
- Many people with microtia have a small or absent external ear
- People with microtia also have a narrow ear canal or lack an ear canal
- There are four different grades of microtia based on the severity of the condition
Microtia is very rare. Only 1 in 10,000 children is born with the condition.
What Causes Microtia?
The causes of microtia are still unclear. Current research has found that it doesn’t run in families nor is it linked to any specific behaviors during pregnancy. However, the condition is more common in some parts of the world than others.
With that in mind, even in identical twins, it is rare for both siblings to have microtia.
What Is Aural Atresia?
This is what you should know about aural atresia:
- Aural atresia refers to a narrow ear canal or absence of an ear canal
- This condition often accompanies microtia
Because aural atresia involves issues with the ear canal, it causes hearing impairment that may affect speech and language development.
How Is Microtia Treated?
There are different options to treat microtia. In the past, the most common method was ear reconstruction surgery using rib cartilage. Thanks to pioneering work by Dr. Reinisch, there is also the MEDPOR® ear reconstruction technique, which uses a biocompatible implant to help reshape any existing external ear structure.
During your visit to our office in Beverly Hills, we can determine the best treatment option for your needs.
What Are the Results of Microtia Treatment Like?
Many children who get microtia treatment go on to live happy, fulfilling, and wonderful lives. Their ears look natural and their ability to hear is restored.
We encourage you to view our patient before and after photo gallery to get a sense of the initial results we achieve through ear reconstruction.
As a Parent, How Can I Talk With My Child About Microtia?
This is going to vary from household to household, but we have some resources online that you can refer to to help ease fears and provide some hope:
- First, we have a blog post that directly addresses how to speak with your child about microtia
- Next, we also have a parent guide to microtia that can help offer more info and context
Whatever you do and however you approach the subject, we simply encourage you to be loving and encouraging as you normally would with your child.
How Can I Learn More About Microtia and My Child’s Options for Treatment?
You probably still have questions about microtia and how it can be treated. We’re here to offer additional answers and guidance about what you can do next. To set up a consultation with our team, contact our microtia treatment center in Beverly Hills.
