BACK
TO
TOP
Browse A-Z
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Low-set ears and pinna abnormalities

Low-set ears; Microtia; "Lop" ear; Pinna abnormalities; Genetic defect - pinna; Congenital defect - pinna

Low-set ears and pinna abnormalities refer to an abnormal shape or position of the outer ear (pinna or auricle).

Considerations

The outer ear or "pinna" forms when a baby is growing in the mother's womb. The growth of this ear part takes place at a time when many other organs are developing (such as the kidneys). Abnormal changes in the shape or position of the pinna may be a sign that the baby also has other related problems.

Common abnormal findings include cysts in the pinna or skin tags.

Many children are born with ears that stick out. Although people may comment on the ear shape, this condition is a variation of normal and is not linked with other disorders.

However, the following problems may be related to medical conditions:

  • Abnormal folds or location of the pinna
  • Low-set ears
  • No opening to the ear canal
  • No pinna
  • No pinna and ear canal (anotia)

Causes

Common conditions that can cause low-set and unusually formed ears include:

Rare conditions that can cause low-set and malformed ears include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

In most cases, a health care provider finds pinna abnormalities during the first well-baby exam. This exam is most often done at the hospital at the time of delivery.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The provider will:

  • Examine and test the child for other physical abnormalities of the kidneys, bones of the face, skull, and facial nerve
  • Ask if you have a family history of abnormal-shaped ears

To determine whether the pinna is abnormal, the provider will take measurements with a tape measure. Other parts of the body will also be measured, including the eyes, hands, and feet.

All newborns should have a hearing test. Exams for any changes in mental development may be performed as the child grows. Genetic testing may also be done.

TREATMENT

Most of the time, no treatment is needed for pinna abnormalities because they do not affect hearing. However, sometimes cosmetic surgery is recommended.

  • Skin tags may be tied off, unless there is cartilage in them. In that case, surgery is needed to remove them.
  • Ears that stick out may be treated for cosmetic reasons. During the newborn period, a small framework may be attached using tape or Steri-Strips. The child wears this framework for several months. Surgery to correct the ears cannot be done until the child is 5 years old.

More severe abnormalities may require surgery for cosmetic reasons as well as for function. Surgery to create and attach a new ear is often done in stages.

Open References

References

Haddad J, Dodhia SN. Congenital malformations of the ear. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 656.

Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.

Mitchell AL. Congenital anomalies. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.

  • Ear abnormalities

    Ear abnormalities - illustration

    Low set ears (pinna), abnormal rotation, the absence of ears, and abnormal folds in the ear may be associated with various medical conditions.

    Ear abnormalities

    illustration

  • Pinna of the newborn ear

    Pinna of the newborn ear - illustration

    The pinna or auricle forms (during fetal development) at a time when many other critical organs are forming (such as the kidneys). Abnormalities in the shape or positioning of the pinna may be an indication that there are other associated abnormalities present.

    Pinna of the newborn ear

    illustration

  • Ear abnormalities

    Ear abnormalities - illustration

    Low set ears (pinna), abnormal rotation, the absence of ears, and abnormal folds in the ear may be associated with various medical conditions.

    Ear abnormalities

    illustration

  • Pinna of the newborn ear

    Pinna of the newborn ear - illustration

    The pinna or auricle forms (during fetal development) at a time when many other critical organs are forming (such as the kidneys). Abnormalities in the shape or positioning of the pinna may be an indication that there are other associated abnormalities present.

    Pinna of the newborn ear

    illustration

 

Review Date: 11/6/2023

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

 
 
 

 

 

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.