Absent ear is may present as partial and complete absence of ear due to birth defect or patient may present after traumatic loss of complete ear. 

By birth absence of the ear has different types according to the area of ear absent. Term microtia means small ear while anotia means complete absence of ear. It is derived from the Latin word ‘otia’ which means ear, ‘micro’ means small and ‘a’ refers to absence. 

Child may present with having only lobule of ear or having different parts of ear absent or complete absence of ear. 

Initially the child is assessed by a pediatrician and otolaryngologist for any associated problems. As a child grows old then he or she is assessed by a plastic surgeon for a plan of reconstruction of the ear. 

Ear reconstruction is done at 7-10 years of age. There are different methods used for this purpose and detailed assessment, measurements and planning is required. 

• Autogenous reconstruction means the ear is formed from the patient’s own tissues. In this type ear framework is formed from rib cartilage taken from the chest wall and then it’s buried in the skin around the area of the ear and then in another stage it is transferred to the position of ear. This surgery may require 2 to 5 stages depending upon the surgeon’s choice and expertise. Child needs hospitalization and surgery done under general anesthesia. 
• Composite autogenous/alloplastic reconstruction using an alloplastic ear framework. In this procedure ear framework is made from artificial material not taken from chest wall and rest of the procedure is almost same
• Prosthetic reconstruction means using custom made ears. For this purpose metal implants are placed surgically on the bone around the ear to hold the artificial ear at its place. There are companies who make these ears on recommendation of an attending surgeon.

FAQ

1. Can Anomia be associated with hearing problems?

It can be associated with hearing problems especially when the external ear canal is absent and the child needs to be assessed by an otolaryngologist. 

2. Is a child with an absent ear normal?

If not associated with other birth anomalies involving brain, these children are normal

3. Is the absent ear treatable condition?

Yes it can be treated with surgery by staged reconstruction or it can be treated with artificial ear prosthesis

4. Is it necessary to reconstruct an absent ear?

It can be left as it is and when a child grows, he or she can decide whether  to go for treatment or be content with this deformity. It can be camouflaged with hair style also

Written by :  Dr. Fahmina

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons