Microtia

Microtia is an ear deformity that affects the external ear, with microtia the external ear is either smaller or absent. Microtia is a birth defect that occurs in 1 out of about 8,000 child births. If the child's defect happens to be unilateral they can usually learn to compensate for the lack of hearing on the deformed ear. As long as the microtia is the effect of other birth defects or extenuating conditions parents only need to follow some recommendations for normal childhood development with microtia. After the birth of any infant hearing screenings are vital in the first days of life. Hearing screenings are administered within days after the baby is born, although they are often not noticed by the parents with the new experience of having a child. Having the results of the hearing tests is actually very important to know for future doctor appointments. Most likely the hearing screening of a newborn with microtia is given to the parents instead of just filed along with the other tests. Even though it is often assumed that a closed external ear will cause complete hearing loss, about only 40 percent is actually lost. Because a parent whose child has microtia will be asked about the screening multiple times, the screenings are the most vital piece of information to know at first. The second most important piece of information for parents is to know is that there is nothing they could have done to prevent the ear deformity. Thus far, the medical cause for microtia is a mystery. The external ear starts developing around 7 weeks of gestation, even if microtia could be found that early on, there is no known treatment as of yet. Even though microtia may seem like it is degenerative, it is not. Surgery to reconstruct the external ear, for appearance sake, can be done later in life. But when they are and infant, and all the way through being a toddler, it is important to focus on the learning of language and keeping up the hearing of the unaffected ear. Before discharge from the hospital, the pediatrician should give you a few numbers of specialists, and medical referrals. A relationship with an intervention specialist is important to have early on. This service is typically provided through the state, no matter the income of the family, and is very important in tracking progress in the child's hearing. This specialist will see to it that hearing loss,if it becomes an issue, will be taken care of quickly and effectively. An Otolaryngologist, usually referred to as an ENT(Ear,Nose and Throat) is important to see routinely. At the age of 12 months an evaluation will have to be performed to figure out the effect the microtia on the adolescents hearing and also language development. Children with microtia progress well in life and education as long as hearing is maintained; even if there are periods of hearing loss that affect language development and such, a good relationship with the interventionist, the Otolaryngologist, and a pediatrician ends up being very beneficial in making decisions that will be most beneficial of the child with microtia.

Before discharge from the hospital, the pediatrician should give you a few numbers of specialists, and medical referrals. A relationship with an intervention specialist is important to have early on. This service.... Learn more at Microtia and atresia ear