Microtia

Microtia is a congenital condition in which the outer ear (pinna) is underdeveloped or absent. The degree varies: some individuals have a small but recognizable outer ear structure, while others have only a small remnant of tissue or no external ear at all. Microtia occurs in approximately 1 in 6,000 to 12,000 births and is often accompanied by atresia, the absence or narrowing of the ear canal, which prevents sound from reaching the middle ear and results in a conductive hearing loss on the affected side.

Microtia can affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Hearing management for children with microtia typically begins early, using bone conduction devices on a soft band to provide sound access while the child is too young for surgery. Reconstructive surgery options for the outer ear and canal may be considered as the child grows older.

Audiological follow-up is important throughout childhood to monitor hearing and support speech and language development.