[Management of microtia in children]

Microtia is a malformation of the external ear with a prevalence of 1-17/10 000 births. It is mostly unilateral and is responsible for conductive hearing loss. It is present in some congenital syndromes but is most frequently isolated. It can be associated with atresia of the external auditory canal (EAC) as well as middle and inner ear malformations. While cosmetic issues seem to be of primary concern to parents at the time of diagnosis, functional audiological rehabilitation is essential for the development of stereophonic hearing in children. We present here a review of the current ENT management of microtia from birth to adulthood.