01

In this article

  • It may affect one or both sides
  • The inner ear may still function
  • Early hearing assessment is essential
02

Assessment and treatment

  • Infant/child hearing tests
  • Selected bone-conduction hearing support
  • Multidisciplinary reconstruction or prosthesis planning
QUICK FACTS

At a glance

Definition: Microtia means the outer ear is small or incompletely formed; the ear canal and hearing may also be affected.

Key takeaways

  • It may affect one or both sides
  • The inner ear may still function
  • Early hearing assessment is essential

Clinical steps

  1. Infant/child hearing tests
  2. Selected bone-conduction hearing support
  3. Multidisciplinary reconstruction or prosthesis planning

Red flags: Bilateral microtia or poor response to sound needs prompt paediatric audiology/ENT assessment.

Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?

Bilateral microtia or poor response to sound needs prompt paediatric audiology/ENT assessment.

EXPERT INSIGHT

How I assess this in clinic

I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with it may affect one or both sides.

Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.

A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.

Do not wait when: Bilateral microtia or poor response to sound needs prompt paediatric audiology/ENT assessment.

ReferencesCleft lip and palateNHS↗Your Baby’s Hearing ScreeningNIH/NIDCD↗Children and ColdsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics↗

For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.