Microtia and large ears (protruding ear) is Ear abnormalities that are often found in newborns. These two ear disorders can be caused by various things, so it is important for you to know the triggering factors, so that ear abnormalities in newborns can be minimized.
There are various types of ear abnormalities that can be experienced by newborns. Ear abnormalities in newborns can be invisible, but some are easy to recognize because they affect the shape of the outer ear.
Ear disorders that affect the shape of the outer ear sometimes do not affect hearing function. However, its unusual shape often makes children feel insecure about their appearance when they grow up.
Ear Disorders Based on shape
There are several ear disorders that affect the shape of the outer ear. Here are some of them:
Microtia
Out of 10,000 births, 1 to 5 babies develop microtia. This ear disorder is more common in baby boys who live in highland areas. Generally, microtia only occurs in one ear.
Microtia is characterized by the shape of the earlobe that is imperfect or looks smaller than the normal ear. The size of the earlobe of people with microtia can be 50 to 66 percent smaller, some even look like a bean.
Microtia not only causes defects in the shape of the outer ear, but can also interfere with hearing function. Hearing function can be impaired if the ear canal is narrowed or missing.
The cause of microtia is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of a mother giving birth to a baby with this ear disorder.
Pregnant women who suffer from diabetes during pregnancy, use acne medications containing isotretinoin, consume less folic acid and carbohydrates, consume drugs and alcoholic beverages, and have been infected rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a higher risk of having a baby with microtia.
Ear abnormalities are also classified as inherited conditions that can be inherited and are associated with genetic mutations.
Protruding ear or big ears
Protruding ear is a disorder of the ear characterized by the shape of a large earlobe. Protruding ear affects 1 to 2 percent of the population and can occur in one or both ears. This abnormality in the ear is influenced by the presence of impaired cartilage formation in the womb.
Protruding ear or what people call the ear ticks generally do not affect the patient's hearing function.
It's just that the shape is unusual and looks strange compared to other normal ear sizes often becomes a problem for the development of a child's self-confidence. They often get ridicule from their friends so they feel less confident with their appearance.
Microtia and ear disorders protruding ear make the shape of the earlobe of a newborn baby look unusual. Therefore, despite the high cost, most parents of children with this disorder choose for their children to undergo surgery to correct the shape of the ear to be normal.
That's an abnormality in the ear that may afflict newborns. If your child has this disorder, give him support so he doesn't feel inferior and remains confident. You are also advised to consult an ENT doctor to get advice on treatment according to your child's health condition and causes of ear disorders.
