Protruding ear

Protruding ear is a condition where the ear sticks out more than 2 cm from the side of the head. It is often present at birth and can be corrected with surgery.

Causes

Protruding ears often run in families. The condition can also be caused by an injury to the ears. The ear begins to develop early in pregnancy. The part of the ear that is often involved in protruding ears is the pinna or outer ear.

Symptoms

The only symptom of a protruding ear is the ear being more than 2 cm from the side of the head. This can be measured by placing a ruler against the head and measuring the distance to the ear.

Exams and Tests

A health care provider can usually diagnose a protruding ear when looking at the child. No further testing is usually necessary.

Treatment

If the condition is diagnosed at birth, a simple technique using tape and a soft band to reshape the ear may be successful. This technique is most effective in the first week of life.

If the condition is not corrected early, the child may need surgery. Surgery to correct protruding ears is called otoplasty. This surgery involves cutting out a piece of cartilage from the ear to help reshape it. The surgery is usually done on both ears to achieve a symmetrical appearance.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook for a protruding ear often depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is due to genetics, the ear may continue to stick out without treatment. However, if the condition is due to an injury, the ear may return to its normal position with treatment.

Possible Complications

Complications of a protruding ear can include:

• Low self-esteem or other psychological issues due to the appearance of the ear
• Difficulty wearing glasses or hearing aids

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact a health care provider if your child's ears look uneven or stick out more than 2 cm from the side of the head.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for a protruding ear.

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