What Is Microtia?
The term microtia indicates a small, abnormally shaped or absent external ear. It can be unilateral (occur on one side only) or bilateral (occur on both sides).

Diagram of Normal<BR>External Ear

What is Aural Atresia?
The term aural atresia refers to the absence or incomplete formation of an external ear canal. Microtia is almost always accompanied by aural atresia. Patients with microtia and aural atresia do not have normal hearing on that side but may have completely normal hearing in the other ear.

Is Microtia an Isolated Problem?

A patient with classic aural atresia. An Earlobe is present but is malpositioned. No ear canal is present.

In most patients microtia and aural atresia occur as an isolated condition. In some patients, however, the ear deformity occurs in conjunction with other facial deformities. The most common syndrome in which microtia accompanies other anomalies is called hemifacial microsomia which is a variable deformity that can involve the ear, the bones of the face, the fullness of the cheek tissue and the function of the facial nerve.

Another syndrome where microtia may be present is Treacher Collins syndrome. Because of the association with these syndromes, patients with microtia should be seen by a team of specialists and have a genetics evaluation so that the parents can be informed of any increased risk of these syndromes in future children.