Direct answer

Microtia means the outer ear is small or incompletely formed; the ear canal and hearing may also be affected.

Schematic illustration of the outer, middle and inner ear
Schematic illustration of the outer, middle and inner ear. General illustration for context.
01

Key symptoms

  • It may affect one or both sides
  • The inner ear may still function
  • Early hearing assessment is essential
02

Assessment and treatment

  • Infant/child hearing tests
  • Selected bone-conduction hearing support
  • Multidisciplinary reconstruction or prosthesis planning

Related ENT services

Paediatric ENT careENT assessment of childhood adenoid and tonsil problems, snoring, glue ear, hearing difficulty and speech delay, with surgery when indicated.→
ReferencesCleft lip and palateNHS↗Ear Infections in ChildrenNIH/NIDCD↗Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with EffusionAAO-HNSF↗Making a decision about glue earNHS England↗

For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. Seek emergency care for red-flag symptoms.