Q: Which doctor should I consult for ear deformities?
A: Babies should be typically shown to a family physician who will be able to perform a medical examination and, if necessary, do hearing tests and imaging tests to distinguish between ear deformity or ear malformation.
Q: What are syndromal and non-syndromal-associated ear deformities?
A: Ear deformities may be a result of health syndromes in other parts of the body (chromosomal disorders, Crouzon syndrome) that may cause functional defects in the ears. Non-syndromal (combined external and middle) ear deformities affect only the ear and are not associated with health conditions affecting other organs of the body.
Q: What are the complications of ear deformities?
A: Ear deformities, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can cause psychological problems for those affected. The children may exhibit depression, reduced academic achievement, anxiety, and withdrawal from society with few friends.
Q: What are the structural features that can pose risks to middle ear surgery?
A: Cleft palate, increased growth of the adenoid glands, septal deviation, are some features that, if present, could be challenging to successful surgery.
Q: What is bilateral atresia auris congenita?
A: Bilateral atresia auris congenita is the medical term to indicate combined external and middle ear malformations in both ears. In such cases, the internal ear is normal in function.
Q: Does the presence of an earlobe crease indicate heart disease?
A: Ear malformations may result or may be a symptom of an underlying disorder or syndrome that may affect organs, such as the heart, kidneys, the spine, or the brain.
