Explanation Of Microtia

My child has been diagnosed with atresia microtia of the ear...now what

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What is atresia microtia of the ear? Atresia is a congenital condition or birth defect where a normal passage within the body is closed or deformed, in this case, the ear canal. This birth defect can be accompanied by hearing loss and most certainly does in the more severe cases. Microtia is also a congenital ear deformity where the ear is either deformed, small or completely missing. Microtia and atresia can be accompanied by other defined syndromes or can be isolated in the child. This ear deformity can be either unilateral (affecting just one ear) or bilateral (affecting both ears).

Microtia is diagnosed by four grade levels: Grade 1 microtia is when the child develops an ear but it is deformed and smaller than normal. When a child has grade 1 the deformed ear is present and functional. Surgery for grade 1 would be for cosmetic reasons unless some form of atresia microtia is present. Surgery may help improve quality of hearing. The next level or grade 2 microtia results in a partially developed external ear and commonly is associated with some hearing loss or complete hearing loss. Grade 2 often has some degree of atresia microtia present . In this case, surgery would be beneficial for both cosmetic and functional reasons.

Grade 3 microtia, is the most common level. When a child is born with grade 3 atresia microtia, a small nub or piece of skin will be present in place of the ear, and there is no ear canal. Although this is the most common form, a child does require medical attention. Grade 4 microtia is the most severe of the grades with no visible ear or anatomical ear structure present.

The cause of this birth defect is unknown at this time. But, through advanced medical techniques, many children born with atresia microfia can live normal lives with the help of a medical team and surgery. Hearing loss can be restored in some children. This birth defect occurs one in every 6,000-12,000 births. Atresia microtia occurs more commonly in boys than girls and microtia and atresia most commonly occur together. Sometimes both of these common birth defects may be accompanied by other conditions requiring additional medical attention.

A medical team of experts can recommend the best possible treatment each child diagnosed with atresia microtia. There are two main ways of ear reshaping for microtia, one is to create an external ear using rib carteledge. The other treatment is when an external ear is created from synthetic plastic. Both methods require multiple surgery but are equally effective. Children generally will be ready for surgery for microtia congenital ear when they reach four or five years old. The facial bones will have grown and had a chance to mature by this age. Children born with atresia mircrotia are able to have a happy, healthy life. Medical technologies are continually advancing and as more research is done, more answers can be found for this congenital birth defect, atresia microtia.

by: Gustavo Gadlin

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