What causes microtia?

Doctors do not know what causes most cases of microtia. It usually develops during the first trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, microtia is a feature of a larger syndrome such as craniofacial microsomia (a condition that affects the development of the face before birth).

What causes congenital microtia?

Microtia usually develops during the first trimester of pregnancy, in the early weeks of development. Its cause is mostly unknown but has sometimes been linked to drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, genetic conditions or changes, environmental triggers, and a diet low in carbohydrates and folic acid.

What type of hearing loss does microtia cause?

If the ear canal is closed, conductive hearing loss is also present. Type 3 is the most common form of microtia. In most instances the children with microtia will have normal inner ears and sensory structures, causing conductive (rather than sensory) hearing loss.

Is microtia rare?

Microtia occurs about 1 in 5,000 births, though rates can vary depending on ethnic background. In 90% of cases, it affects only one ear, usually the right ear, and is more common in males.

How is microtia treated?

The three treatment options for microtia include leaving the ear as it is, using an artificial (prosthetic) ear and surgery to build a new ear (surgical reconstruction). An artificial ear can be made from silicone.

Can microtia be cured?

Fortunately, microtia and atresia can usually be repaired, and the hearing loss treated.

Does microtia affect hearing?

What problems are associated with microtia? Hearing loss. Beyond the apparent visual deformity of the ear, children with microtia often experience some hearing loss due to the closure or absence of the external ear canal. This hearing loss can affect how the child’s speech will develop.

What is Level 3 microtia?

Grade 3: This is the most common type of microtia, in which the only feature remaining is a small peanut-shaped remnant ear lobe. Grade 3 microtia is sometimes called “lobular type microtia.” The ear canal is usually completely absent (aural atresia).

How is aural atresia diagnosed?

Congenital aural atresia requires prompt diagnosis, genetic counselling and an early assessment of hearing. In bilateral atresia, early amplification with a bone conduction hearing aid is essential for proper speech development.

Can atresia be fixed?

In aural atresia repair, the doctor rebuilds the canal and middle ear. This surgery is done when a child is at least 5 years old. The doctor makes a new ear canal and fixes problems in the middle ear. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.

What causes a person to have anotia / microtia?

In some cases, anotia/microtia occurs because of an abnormality in a single gene, which can cause a genetic syndrome. Another known cause for anotia/microtia is taking a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane®) during pregnancy. This medicine can lead to a pattern of birth defects, which often includes anotia/microtia.

How often does microtia occur in the population?

Microtia can occur as the only clinical abnormality or as part of a syndrome. The estimated prevalence of microtia is 0.8–4.2 per 10 000 births, and it is more common in men. Microtia can have a genetic or environmental predisposition.

What are the risk factors for Microtia in children?

The etiology of microtia in children remains uncertain but there are some cases that associate the cause of microtia with genetic defects in multiple or single genes, altitude, and gestational diabetes. Risk factors gathered from studies include infants born underweight, women gravidity and parity, and medication use while pregnant.

Which is the best description of microtia syndrome?

Microtia may occur as an isolated condition, or as part of a spectrum of anomalies or a syndrome.