Living with Microtia-Anotia
A condition present from birth in which the outer ear is small or abnormally shaped, or missing completely.
Understanding Microtia-Anotia
It usually affects one ear but can affect both. It is seen more often in males. Ear size ranges from slightly smaller than usual to complete absence of the outer ear and ear canal (anotia). It is often linked with a blocked or narrow ear canal, attention deficit, and delayed language development.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Small ears (microtia)
- Abnormally shaped ears
- Missing outer ear (anotia)
- Absent ear canal
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Delayed speech and language development
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in HOXA2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Children's Craniofacial Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
This condition is linked to changes in the HOXA2 gene. It can be autosomal dominant (a changed copy from one parent is enough) or autosomal recessive (a changed copy from each parent).
Also known as: congenital microtias; m-a; microtia; microtia, congenital; microtias, congenital
Patient organizations
- Children's Craniofacial AssociationMicrotia-Anotia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Microtia-Anotia.
Explore research for Microtia-Anotia
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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