Diagnostic and treatment of Protruding ears (bat ears)

About the disease

Protruding ears is a congenital condition which develops if there is an increase in the angle of the auricle making the ears to stick out. Overall, approximately 50% of all newborns have some degree of ear protrusion. Bat ears is a specific type of protrusion when ears are protruding on the side. In most cases protrusion, does not resolve on its own even after the childhood. Approximately 1-2% of world's population are with protruding ears of some degree. In some cases bat ears can be unilateral or bilateral. The most common cause of protruding ears is malformation during the development of ears during prenatal development. Some babies are born with normal ears and protrusion starts to manifest itself only after 3 months of their life.

In general, this condition is harmless and it does not affect hearing of a child in any way. The only problem that protruding ears condition poses is a psychological problem, especially if the degree of protrusion is large. Nowadays, this condition can be resolved surgically. Surgery is usually advised to be carried out after child is 6 years old. Surgery does not pose any risks. In some cases, child`s ear form can be corrected during the first months of his life if the protrusion had been identified right after the birth. In this case a child may undergo special shaping massage as ears of a baby in this time are very malleable and can be changed. This condition affects girls and boys equally, although it may seem that boys have this condition more commonly, as girls wear long hair which hides the malformation, if there is any.

Symptoms

• Protrusion of the ears is the only symptom of this condition
• Hearing is no way affected
• The angle of protrusion is sideways

Diagnosis

• During a general examination, pediatrician will examine the ears of a patient to determine if there is a protrusion. Examination is carried out right after the birth of a child and also after the first three months. After the first 6 months, it is unlikely for a child to develop protruding ears as the structure of ear cartilage becomes stronger and formed at this type.

Treatment

• Surgical correction (otoplasty) is the most common surgery used to repair the condition of protruding ears. This procedure can be performed by a certified otolaryngologist or by a plastic surgeon. It can be performed at any age, but it is recommended at the age of 5-6 for children. During this surgery, a doctor readjusts the proper position of the cartilage without making an incision. This surgery does not pose any risks and is very effective.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko