Microtia is a birth deformity of the external ear. Microtia literally means “small ear.” It occurs in approximately 1 out of every 6,000 births and is bilateral (both sides) 10% of the time. It is more common in children from Asia, South America, Central America and Pacific ring islands. More severe forms of microtia are associated with absence of the ear canal and associated conductive hearing loss. 

The cause of microtia is unknown but is not believed to be caused by anything the parents did  or did not do. It is usually not inherited but it can be associated with other conditions like Treacher Collins syndrome.

Microtia can be classified according to how severely the ear is affected. In type I microtia, the ear is slightly small but has identifiable structures and a small but present ear canal. Type II microtia involves a partial or “hemi” ear with a tight or closed-off ear canal, leading to a conductive hearing loss. Type III microtia has a complete lack of the ear canal and a peanut shaped external ear and earlobe. Type IV microtia is complete absence of the external ear and ear canal with only a small surface bump ear remnant.

Dr. Russell Griffiths has pioneered a single stage approach to treating many types of microtia. For a more detailed description of microtia and treatment options, please visit his dedicated ear reconstruction website here.