What type of hearing loss is microtia?

missing or underdeveloped ears. Microtia usually occurs with atresia, also known as aural atresia, a condition in which the auditory ear canal is either underdeveloped, absent or closed.

How would you describe microtia?

Microtia is a congenital abnormality in which the external part of a child’s ear is underdeveloped and usually malformed. The defect can affect one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) ears. In about 90 percent of cases, it occurs unilaterally.

Is microtia a genetic disorder?

In most cases, microtia is not genetically inherited. In 95% of children with microtia, there is no family history of microtia or other major ear anomalies in either the paternal or maternal side of the family.

What is the difference between microtia and atresia?

Atresia is absence or underdevelopment of the ear canal and middle ear structures. Microtia is almost always accompanied by atresia because the outer ear and the middle ear develop around the same time during fetal development.

How many grades of microtia are there in the world?

According to the Altman-classification, there are four grades of microtia: Grade I: A less than complete development of the external ear with identifiable structures and a small but present external ear canal

What’s the difference between a Grade 3 microtia and anotia?

Unilateral grade III microtia (more often affecting the right ear). Microtia is a congenital deformity where the pinna (external ear) is underdeveloped. A completely undeveloped pinna is referred to as anotia. Because microtia and anotia have the same origin, it can be referred to as microtia-anotia.

What are the four grades of microtia hearing loss?

There are four grades of microtia: Grade I: A less than complete development of the external ear with identifiable structures and a small but present external ear canal Grade II: A partially developed ear (usually the top portion is underdeveloped) with a closed stenotic external ear canal producing a conductive hearing loss.

Which is the biggest disadvantage of having microtia?

The biggest disadvantage is the daily care involved and knowing that the prosthesis is not real. Aural atresia is the underdevelopment of the middle ear and canal and usually occurs in conjunction with microtia. Atresia occurs because patients with microtia may not have an external opening to the ear canal, though.