Ear Deformities
Prominent Ears
The prominent ear deformity, sometimes referred to as "lop-ear" or "cup ears", is a deformity where the ears project more than the normal distance from the skull. Measured from the mid-portion of the ear back to the skull behind the ear, projection should be between 15 - 18 millimeters in a five year-old or adult individual. Over projection of the ear may be secondary to an increase in the angle the ear cartilage takes from its junction with the ear canal and skull, an excess of conchal cartilage, or an absence of the antihelical fold. Combinations of these causes frequently occur.
Constricted Ear
The constricted ear deformity is characterized by partial absence of skin and cartilage which involves the helical rim, scapha, and/or concha. In its simplest form, a lidding of the superior helical rim is present. The tilting-over of the helical rim is secondary to a tightening and deficiency in the anterior skin between the scapha and rim.
Microtia
Microtia is characterized as the absence of the majority of the pinna. A vestige of the pinna or auricle remains as a vertically-oriented attachment, and the earlobe persists as the only identifiable structure. The external auditory canal and tragus is generally absent. Associated with the absence of the external canal are deformities within the middle ear and absence of the tympanic membrane. For these reasons, children with microtia have varying degrees of hearing loss. Typically, the hearing loss is conductive in nature as opposed to neurogenic.
Anotia
Anotia is a very rare deformity characterized by total absence of the pinna. There is no lobule, microtic vestige, or canal. The hairline typically drops across the zone where the ear would normally appear.
