| |
What is Congenital Artresia? When a newborn has no external ears, the pediatrician must readily refer the child to both a facial plastic surgeon and an ear surgeon, as well as an audiologic team. The absence of the external ear canal, and abnormal growth of the external ear, often occur together. However, absence of the external ear canal can occur without abnormal growth of the external ear. Hearing Loss A person who does not have an external ear canal or an external ear will experience some degree of hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss brought about by the must be evaluated immediately. If both ears are affected, early hearing aid fitting is called for. If a hearing aid is not used, the child will experience speech problems. Using a bone type of hearing aid which bypasses the obstruction, vibration on the bone allows for normal development of speech in the child. Treatment Options Surgery to reconstruct the ear usually is the most common treatment. Surgery can take place as early as 4 or 5 years of age. A facial plastic surgeon and an ear surgeon work together, repairing the absent external ear first and then the external ear canal. Surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Support The birth of a child with an external ear deformity requires early counseling and intervention by the pediatrician who should refer to a team of facial plastic and ear surgeons.
|
| |||||
|
Hot Topics: Mama is giving away Fruit Trees and Vegetable Plants! Mama is giving away Free Re-usable Tote Bags Can you tell your husband to stop sleeping with my wife? Brenda Tells All: Advice Column Personal Story: Memories of my battle with eating disorders Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance Lucy Goes Green: Burnin' with eco-friendly love | |||||||
|
Information obtained from MamasHealth.com should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms
of Use. ©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.. All rights reserved | |||||||