Newborn Ear Correction

What Exactly Are Newborn Ear Deformities?

Newborn ear deformity is the term used to describe an infant's ear shape at birth. Fortunately, it is frequently possible to address these minor anomalies without the need for intrusive operations. Infant ear molding is a non-surgical technique for treating modest ear abnormalities that exist at birth.

What Factors Contribute to Newborn Ear Deformities?

Most pediatric ear abnormalities are congenital, meaning they exist from birth. By ear deformities, experts explicitly mean disorders in which the external ear's component parts are entirely present but may not be properly folded or aligned. Malformations, in which some or all of the ear may be missing or very small, are not deformities. Malformations might be more frequently linked to genetic diseases like CHARGE or Goldenhar syndromes.

Deformities in a newborn's ears may be caused by a hereditary predisposition or by the location in the womb. It is unclear what causes some neonatal ear deformities.

What Are the Various Types of Ear Deformities?

• Lidding - This occurs when an extension of the antihelical fold (the superior leg of the triangular fossa) fails to develop properly. There are different degrees of "folding over" or lidding of the ear due to the cartilaginous crus that supports the upper section of the ear failing to form. Lidding may only involve the helical rim or may involve the entire upper portion of the ear being folded. Early detection of lidding within the first week of life usually yields complete correction.

• Prominent Ear Deformity - Ears that protrude significantly. Prominent ears are not always visible in infants, making them easy to ignore and difficult to diagnose.

• Cup Infant Deformity - A severe type of protruding ear. An ear deformity known as a cup deformity resembles an unopened rosebud. There is a folded-out ear or an incomplete aperture of the ear. The ears are tiny and protrude or extend out.

• Stahl's Infant Ear Deformity, or Spock Ear - A transverse crus that stretches outward rather than in a gentle curve distinguishes Stahl's ear.

• Conchal Crus Infant Ear Deformity is a defective cartilage growth that gives the appearance that the ear is split in half. Other ear abnormalities frequently coexist with this kind of malformation.

• Cryptotia: No skin is seen behind the ear, and the ear cartilage appears buried. The Asian population is prone to this ear malformation.

• Infantile Constricted Ears - These are a group of ear abnormalities where the helix rim is either tight, wrinkled, or folded over (also known as lop ear).

Many newborn ear defects can be corrected with splinting or molding therapy utilizing a medical device. The newborn ear cartilage is soft and malleable, and as maternal estrogen levels in the baby's system decline, it becomes stiffer, which is necessary for ear molding. Surgery may be the only therapy option in cases where the deformity continues after the first few weeks of life.

What Is an Earwell?

A non-invasive and non-surgical newborn ear correction technology called earwell enables doctors to treat infant ear abnormalities without incision or surgery. A non-invasive ear molding device can gradually correct the infant's abnormal ear shape. This kind of treatment depends on the fact that newborns have a lot of estrogens circulating in their ears, which makes the ear cartilage more malleable. The body's hyaluronidase enzyme interacts with estrogen to cause the cartilage to become more flexible. The estrogen levels start to decline after about six weeks, and cartilage starts to harden. Newborn ear correction should be done within the first six weeks of the baby's life for best results.

What Is the Newborn Ear Correction Process?

A non-invasive, non-surgical technique, newborn ear correction is performed in the surgeon's office without anesthetics. To attach the earwell gadget to the baby's ears, the surgeon trims a little section of hair around the malformed ear. A unique adhesive tape is used to secure the gadget to the ear. The surgeon repositions the baby's ears using the minimally invasive splint. The splint is adjusted or removed once the device has been in place for two weeks.

What Are the Benefits of Newborn Ear Correction?

• The non-invasive, non-surgical procedure.

• Ear splinting using Earwells is as simple as applying a band-aid.

• Appropriate for more than 90 % of all newborn ear abnormalities.

• Corrects a variety of problems in the external ear.

• Avoid complicated ear procedures in the future.

• Save the child from taunting and bullying because of their ears.

Are There Risks and Adverse Effects From Newborn Ear Correction?

The most frequent side effects of newborn ear correction are moderate skin redness and discomfort from applying adhesive (glue). Treatment failure is the second most frequent danger, which occurs in less than 10 percent of treated children. Extremely rarely, ear infections or cartilage erosion may take place. Overall, newborn ear repair is a safe and low-risk procedure.

What Are the Instructions for Newborn Ear Correction?

• Make sure the splint is not wet.

• Avoid using formula, water, breast milk, or any other liquids near the splint.

• Check the infant's ears twice daily to ensure the splint is in place.

• Check the infant's ears frequently for leakage or skin tone changes.

• Call the surgeon if the baby's ear appears red or white or if the splint is loose.

• Follow the doctor's recommendations when using paper tape to strengthen the splint.

Will the Ear Abnormality in Newborns Get Better on Its Own?

According to studies on newborn ear abnormalities, roughly one-third of moderate ear malformations correct or disappear without treatment in the first week after birth, and two-thirds of all protruding ears or deformities will stay the same over time or worsen. However, ears that are chronically protruding or misshapen after the first week of life are difficult to get better on their own and may benefit from ear molding. Ears that are either compressed or folded at birth can naturally expand and acquire a more normal shape.

Conclusion:

Newborn ear correction is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure that helps correct certain newborns' ear deformities. It works well during the first six weeks of a newborn’s life because of the high estrogen levels. If not corrected during this period, surgery will be the option for ear deformity correction.