The National Craniofacial Association
P. O. Box 11082	* Chattanooga, TN 37401
800-	332-2373

Microtia

What is Microtia?

Microtia is an incompletely formed ear. It ranges in severity from a bump of tissue to a partially formed ear. In most cases, only one ear is affected. In that case, it is called Unilateral Microtia. If both ears are affected, it is called Bilateral Microtia. Unilateral Microtia occurs in 1 out of 8,000 births and Bilateral Microtia occurs in 1 out of 25,000 births.

Why did this happen?

At this time, no one knows why Microtia occurs; however, there is nothing to suggest that the mother's actions during pregnancy caused the Microtia. Further research is necessary to determine the exact cause.

Will this happen to other children I have in the future?

The possibility of passing microtia on to another child is believed to be less than 6%.

What kinds of problems could my child have?

In addition to the physical characteristics, your child may have some or all of these problems:

• About a 40% reduction of hearing in the affected ear

• Problems locating the direction from which a sound comes

• Ear infections

Will my child need surgery?

Your child will either require reconstructive surgery to rebuild the outer ear or he/she may wish to wear a prosthesis. The prosthesis is glued to the head. If you choose reconstructive surgery, it is a 3 to 4 step process, usually done two to three months apart. Surgical procedures usually begin around 6 years of age, because the ear is 90% of its adult size, so it is easier to determine the size of the ear that must be made.

• Portions of ribs 5, 6, 7, and 8 are carved into the shape of the external ear

• The ear is then grafted into place and the overlying skin is draped onto the graft

• Other operations may be needed to rotate the lobule and possibly to reposition the cartilage framework into it's final position

New advances in procedures to treat Microtia are constantly being made. Be an advocate for your child!

How do I get help for my child?

Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center. Currently, FACES has information on thirty-two craniofacial teams located in 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the craniofacial teams. Please contact FACES for details.

Am I alone?

No! There are many families and organizations who will be glad to talk with you and help you with information and support. Don't forget books, videos, and web sites. The following list will get you started.

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association
P. O. Box 11082
Chattanooga, TN 37401
(800) 332-2373
E-mail: faces@faces-cranio.org
We provide financial support for nonmedical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need. Resources include newsletters, information about craniofacial conditions, and networking opportunities.

Online internet discussion support group
This excellent resource is under the direction of Steve Kazemir and includes 100 members
who discuss all issues regarding Atresia and Microtia. Steve also has a webpage that is dedicated to Atresia and Microtia.

Children's Craniofacial Association
P. O. Box 2802297
Dallas, TX 75228
(800) 535-3643
Call and request a copy of Dr. Fearon's booklet on Microtia.

The Craniofacial Center
Dr. Jeffery A. Fearon, MD, FACS, FAAP, Director
7777 Forest Lane, Suite C-700
Dallas, TX  75230
(972) 566-6464
Email:  cranio700@aol.com
Visit Dr. Jeffrey Fearon's informative website that is very lay friendly and easy to understand.

National Health Law Program
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 405
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 289-7661
Website: http://www.healthlaw.org
Provides extensive information on health care law affecting families with children who have special health care needs.

MUMS
National Parent to Parent Organization
c/o Julie Gordon
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
Toll free  (877) 336-5333
http://www.netnet.net/mums/
This organization helps you get in touch with parents in your area whose children also have Microtia.

Children with Facial Difference: A Parent's Guide.
Written by Hope Charkins, MSW. Order from Amazon.com if you cannot find it in your local bookstore.
Excellent resource for parents to help them cope with medical, emotional, social, educational, legal, and financial challenges presented by facial differences of their children.

The following web sites contain excellent information pertaining to microtia:

www.earsurgery.com

www.childsdoc.org/fall96/bauer/microtia.asp

Last modified on: Thursday, March 22, 2007 04:46 PM