Healthy Habits: Ear Molding

An estimated  6 to 45 percent of children are born with some sort of congenital ear deformity. Abnormal development or deformities of the ear anatomy can cause a range of complications, from cosmetic issues to hearing and development problems. 

Ear Molding is a non-invasive procedure, covered by insurance that takes advantage of an infant's soft and pliable cartilage using silicone devices to non-surgically correct (mold) the ear into the desired shape. Many parents are unaware that Ear Molding exists and often don't learn about it until it's too late.

The procedure is most effective within the first few weeks of life when infant ears are very soft and responsive to external molding. By 6 weeks of age the ears become more rigid and less pliable. This is why early intervention is so important!

I had a chance to interview Dr. Nicholas Bastidas, a top New York board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in pediatrics.

• What are the advantages of non-invasive options like ear molding? Ear molding allows doctors to correct misshapen ears or ears that stick out without the need for surgery, pain or anesthesia.  While funny looking ears look cute on newborns, they can be a source of anxiety for school-age children.  Ear  molding allows us to non-surgically correct these problems before they could potentially become an issue for children later on.  In addition, corrected ears may help with balancing wearing glasses later on and may improve hearing if the ears canal are partially obstructed by the deformity (conchal crus). 

• What types of ear deformities is ear molding suitable for? Prominent ear, lop ear or folded ears, constricted ears, stahl (spock) ear, conchal crus

• Why is early intervention important and how can parents be sure to address issues early? When babies are born the cartilage is soft and pliable and it typically hardens over the next 3-4 weeks.  Applying a molding device allows us to reshape the ear during this critical period allowing the cartilage to harden in the new shape that we make.  This allows us to correct any ear deformities without the need for surgery in the future and without pain or anesthesia.  Best results (>90% success) are achieved when the intervention is early (less then 3 weeks). Intervention at later ages is less predictable and requires wearing the device longer.   Because some ears improve in the first 5 days of life, I recommend making an appointment to see an ear molding specialist after the first week of life.