Ear Molding for Newborns Has Many Benefits

September 17, 2024

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children'sExperts in Children's Health

It’s not uncommon for babies to be born with ears that look different or are misshaped. Congenital deformities of the outer ears can be easily corrected without surgery, but parents must act within a few weeks of birth.

“Parents with a new baby have so many things to worry about,” says pediatric plastic surgeon Howard Wang, MD. “They might notice that one ear looks different than the other or seems to be folded in one area, but they often don’t know there is a simple treatment option if they act quickly.”

An Early Intervention

Ear molding has been around for a long time and takes advantage of a newborn’s more sensitive ear anatomy. “Ear deformities are usually the result of undeveloped cartilage,” says University Hospitals plastic surgeon Cyrus Rabbani, MD. “The ear doesn’t have as much support as it should and ends up protruding out or folding when it shouldn’t.”

“The mother’s estrogen remains in the baby’s bloodstream and keeps the cartilage soft,” says Dr. Rabbani. “As the baby grows, the estrogen level decreases and cartilage begins to harden. At some point, it becomes too firm to be able to mold.”

Common types of ear deformities include:

Lop ear or constricted ear: A malformation of the outer rim.
Stahl’s ear: An extra fold of cartilage creates a pointed ear.
Cryptotia: A fold of skin over the upper ear.
Protruding ears: More distance between the ear and the side of the head.

Ear molding places custom-fitted molds around the outer ear to change the shape. The simple, non-invasive procedure is ideally started when a baby is 2-4 weeks old. Ear molds are usually worn for 2-3 weeks. The primary risk is skin irritation from the molds.

The Benefits of Ear Molding

Ear molding in the early weeks of life can have a major impact as children get older. Research shows that children with prominent ears experience higher levels of bullying and social problems.

“There’s a psychosocial impact,” says Dr. Rabbini. “By school age, kids begin to recognize differences in themselves and in other children. It can affect their confidence. It can affect how they interact with other kids. They might have trouble putting on a helmet or headphones.”

Many school-aged kids undergo corrective surgery for these reasons. “If we can do something sooner to avoid the need for surgery (otoplasty) later in life, ear molding might be the best solution,” says Dr. Rabbani.

Weighing the Risks & Benefits

Sometimes a newborn can outgrow an ear deformity, especially a mild deformity. But many don’t. Surgery when children are school age is an option, but carries its own risks.

“We don’t know how an ear deformity will change as a child gets older, if it’s going to get better or going to get worse,” says Dr. Rabbani. “Molding is not harmful, so it’s an option if parents are interested. The risks are limited and if it is successful, the benefit can be great.”

Some families may choose to wait and see for any number of reasons. “It’s not for every patient and it’s always important to discuss if it’s the right treatment for that family,” says Dr. Wang. “Just like any treatment, it involves potential costs and time and potential risks, even though the risks are very minor. It’s good to have that discussion, especially when we’re talking about something that doesn’t affect hearing but addresses an appearance issue.”