I would like to start by saying that WE ARE NOT DOCTORS. We never have been and do not intend to be at any time in the future. The following is what we have gathered from various doctors, specialists, and nurses WE have been to and seen. The following information is generalized and DOES NOT MEAN YOU OR YOUR CHILD WILL HAVE A PROBLEM. There, that is our disclaimer.

Microtia means Little Ear. People with microtia either have a smaller, deformed, or missing ear. If it affects one side, it is unilateral and is most common. People with both sides is bilateral, and only occurs in about 10% of people with microtia. Majority of the people with microtia are also males.

There are three grades of microtia. Grade one is an ear that is smaller than normal, but still looks close to a normal ear. Grade two is the same as grade one, but is missing some visable features of a normal ear. Grade three is usually a lump of skin and USUALLY no external ear canal. If there is no skin or canal what so ever, this is also called anotia

This paragraph is just to inform you of WHY doctors do or should do additional tests on a newborn with Microtia. The following can happen to ANY baby, but more commonly affect people with Microtia. During the development of the fetus, there are a few things that take place during the development of the ears. Because of having microtia, there are chances of other organs not developing correctly as well. The most common problem is kidney deformality. Remember, this does not happen to everyone, but doctors should test the kidney function or conduct an ultrasound to make sure the kidneys are formed correctly. There is also a slight chance that there is a problem with the heart. The chances are remote and there is little testing that can be done. There can be slight to severe deformity of the face on the side of missing ear. If the eyes are not even, there can be problems with eyesight. If the neck muscles are short, a condition called Torticolis can affect the person with microtia. A smaller jawbone on one side can cause some speech impediments.

Raising a child with microtia is no different than any other child. The only difference is that he or she might not be ignoring you on purpose. Localizing sounds and listening in crowds, such as school, becomes more difficult. In school, a FM transmitter should be outfitted for the teacher to use. This will broadcast the teacher to a reciever that the child wears. FM recievers are small and can easily be hidden from view. This assists the child with focusing on what he or she should be hearing. Different school systems will also assign a teacher's aide in the early years. The job of a teacher's aide is to help your child adjust to a school setting and help them learn to focus in class.

When the child reaches the age of 6, one can get reconstructive surgery done. There are a few different types of procedures that can be done, but the most common by far involves removing cartlidge from a rib and grafting skin from the thigh to form an ear. There are multiple surgeries involved. The first attaches the ear formed by the surgon, and the rest of the surgeries is forming the ear. The reason that the earliest the doctors like to do the surgery is 6 is because that is when the ear will be the same size and shape as when the person will be as an adult.

We know that all this can sound overwelming for new parents to take in, especially if you were not expecting your child to be born with microtia. We were surprised when our daughter was born with it as well. Living in a small town proved harder to find information about the condition. We learned by asking questions and reading. When you go to your doctor appointments, ask them any and all questions you may have. Some of the questions may sound stupid, but you asked because you did not know the answer. The greatest power you have is the power to learn everything you can. Embrace that power.

Life will pass by normally, so do not worry. Enjoy your child and do not hold them back. They may have trouble with sports and large crouds, but that is it. They will be just as charming and annoying... at the same time. If you have any questions or more information that what is on this page, check out the forums! There you will find other parents who already went through what you have. The forums are for information and support in your time of need.