The Congenital Ear Repair of congenital microtia requires the coordinated efforts of both facial plastic surgeon and ear surgeon. Reconstruction of the microtic ear is usually delayed until the child is four to five years old. At that age, cartilage from the rib is used to reconstruct the external ear. Several operations may be necessary. Microtia does not always occur along with atresia.
Isolated atresia can occur in an ear which appears normal.
Microtia repair falls under the province of the facial plastic surgeon, so a complete explanation of this surgery will not be offered here. Microtia is a most obvious abnormality. Any child with microtia should be seen early by an ear surgeon in order to coordinate the procedure between the facial plastic surgeon and ear surgeon. In addition, testing for hearing in both ears is indicated early, using Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry. Congenital Atresia Congenital artesia can occur without the usual congenital abnormalities of the external ear.