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Microtia Treatment
How does Microtia Treatment work?
Microtia treatment focuses on improving hearing ability and creating a natural-appearing ear using advanced surgical, reconstructive, and auditory rehabilitation techniques. Because microtia affects each patient differently, care is tailored to anatomy, age, and individual goals, with an emphasis on both functional outcomes and long-term results.
Treatment commonly begins with a thorough evaluation of hearing and ear anatomy to determine the most appropriate approach. Many individuals with microtia also have ear canal atresia or middle ear differences, which can impact hearing. Early assessment helps identify whether hearing support is needed and allows for timely intervention, particularly in children during key stages of speech and language development.
Hearing rehabilitation often involves bone conduction hearing devices, which transmit sound directly to the inner ear by bypassing the outer and middle ear. These systems may be worn externally in infants and young children or surgically implanted in older patients and adults. When appropriate, middle ear or ear canal surgery may also be considered to improve sound conduction.
Reconstructive care focuses on creating a natural-appearing external ear. Depending on the patient, this may involve surgical reconstruction using the patient’s own rib cartilage, synthetic implant frameworks, or non-surgical prosthetic ears. Each option has distinct benefits, and the recommended approach is based on medical factors and patient preference.
Microtia treatment is not a single procedure but a coordinated care process that may include: hearing evaluation and ongoing audiology support; surgical or non-surgical hearing solutions; external ear reconstruction or prosthetic options; long-term follow-up to support hearing, growth, and overall outcomes.
Are You a Candidate for Microtia Treatment?
Microtia treatment is appropriate for people who:
- Are born with an underdeveloped or absent external ear
- Have hearing loss related to ear canal or middle ear abnormalities
- Want to improve hearing function
- Seek cosmetic reconstruction for balanced facial symmetry
- Our specialists evaluate each patient’s anatomy, hearing status, age, and personal goals before recommending a customized plan.
What Will Results Be Like?
Outcomes vary by individual and procedure. Many patients experience:
- Improved hearing awareness through bone conduction devices
- Enhanced aesthetics and ear symmetry after reconstruction
- Increased confidence and quality of life
- Reconstruction may involve multiple stages over time, especially in children whose anatomy is growing.
What happens during Microtia surgery?
Microtia reconstruction surgery is performed in a hospital or surgical center and is completed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. The length of surgery varies depending on the reconstruction method used and whether the procedure is completed in stages.
Patients are typically monitored for several hours before being discharged to recover at home, though some cases may require an overnight stay. Swelling and dressing are expected during the initial healing period. The appearance of the reconstructed ear will continue to refine as healing progresses. When hearing devices are part of the treatment plan, they are managed separately and may be fitted or adjusted after adequate healing has occurred.
Anesthesia
Microtia reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The patient is fully asleep while the surgical team carries out the reconstruction.
Framework Creation
During surgery, the surgeon creates an ear framework that will form the structure of the new ear. This framework is made either from the patient’s own rib cartilage or from a biocompatible synthetic implant, depending on the chosen reconstruction method. The framework is carefully positioned beneath the skin.
Ear Shaping and Contouring
Once the framework is in place, the surrounding tissue is shaped and adjusted to create natural contours and definition. Attention is given to symmetry, projection, and detail so the reconstructed ear closely resembles a natural ear.
Closure and Initial Recovery
After shaping is complete, the incisions are closed and dressings are applied to protect the surgical area. The patient is monitored during recovery to ensure proper healing and comfort in the immediate post-operative period.
When Can I Hear / See Results?
Hearing devices can often be introduced early in a child’s life, even in infancy, when indicated by hearing assessments. Soft-band hearing aids may be used in the first months, while bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS) can typically be implemented around age 3 or older as the child grows.
Reconstructive results emerge progressively after surgical healing, with the initial ear rebuilding marking the first step of a multi-stage process that may include separating the ear from the head, skin grafting, and refinements to achieve a natural-looking ear shape. Children adapt to hearing solutions and reconstructed ear function at different rates depending on their age at treatment, the surgical approach, and individual development.
Reconstructed ears offer meaningful functional benefits including the comfort of wearing glasses, masks, and headphones. Many families find the results help their child feel more confident in social settings.
Typically their hearing continues to improve over time as they continue to gain experience listening to sounds and speech.
Still Have Questions About Microtia Treatment?
Our team is here to guide you through each step of diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term care.
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What our patients say about us
Thanks to the expert care and skillful ear surgery I received, my life has been transformed. I can hear clearly again, and I’m forever grateful for the life-changing experience provided by the talented team.
“Dr. Nazarian, who gave me back the wonderful gift of hearing!”
“Dr. Nazarian is the best! I was referred to Osborne Head & Neck Institute. They told me I needed to wait for a specialist. So I did. Dr. Nazarian got here and I saw him his first day. He has since fixed my ear problems. The entire staff has been great and would recommend to anyone.”
“He’s the greatest surgeon and physician I have ever had the pleasure of being cared for.
"I was referred to Dr. Nazarian by my ENT in San Fernando valley after my ear drum failed to heal on its own. I didn’t know what to expect. He explained everything and was extremely compassionate to my situation. He not only reconstructed for me a completely new ear drum but gave me a better ear than I was born with. Thank you Dr. Nazarian for being the best!"
“You’ve changed the way I hear and feel and will forever be so grateful.”
"I am truly amazed by this total process… You and your staff have been great. I can hear things that I have not been able to hear in years. After 15 years of hearing aids and only a little help I was afraid that I was going to have to medically retire due to not being able to hear. With my Cochlear implant, I know that I can work until I am ready to retire. Thank you so much!!!"
