Although you may be unfamiliar with cleft ears and other earlobe deformities, these conditions are somewhat common in babies and young children. Research shows that 6–45% of children are born with a congenital ear abnormality, which can lead to a wide range of problems, from hearing loss to developmental issues. The following guide details the known causes of these issues and what treatment options are available.

What Causes Cleft Ear & Earlobe Deformities?

Congenital ear abnormalities have a variety of causes including genetic syndromes, poor maternal diet, and toxin exposure or injury in utero. However, rare conditions like cleft ear have not yet been linked to any particular cause. While some abnormalities have no impact on the child’s ability to hear, others can cause discomfort in the ear or contribute to hearing loss.

What Are the Treatment Options? 

Oral surgeons and maxillofacial specialists commonly perform procedures to resolve a variety of congenital ear abnormalities. These treatments include:

• Cleft Ear: Surgical treatment for this condition involves merging separate sections of the earlobe to create a single lobe.
• Duplicate Earlobe: An oral surgeon will remove one of the two lobes.
• Skin Tags: These small growths can emerge on any part of the ear. Since some of them contain cartilage, they often need to be surgically removed.
• Local Skin Flaps: This reconstructive procedure involves attaching skin from another part of the body to the ear to correct an undersized or misshapen earlobe.

As a parent, the idea of scheduling surgery for your child might seem scary, but according to oral surgeons, a majority of these procedures are done on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. After the surgery, your child can recover in the comfort of home.

For more information on earlobe deformities or cleft ear, contact Patterson Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, in High Point, NC. Founder Dr. Shawana Patterson, DDS, is highly regarded for her broad range of surgical skills as well as her compassionate bedside manner. To make an appointment, call (336) 812-3104, or visit the practice’s website for a full list of oral surgery and maxillofacial services, including tooth extractions and dental bone grafting.