Different Types of Ear Surgery

Feb 24
11:48

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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There are different types of ear surgery. Some types are cosmetic while others are not.

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Ear surgery is performed for various reasons. Sometimes these operations are chosen for cosmetic reasons to enhance appearance or correct a physical flaw. Other times they are completed to fix a functional or medical issue. The operations which are initiated in order to enhance or improve appearance are considered elective and therefore not paid for by medical insurance. Health coverage plans will often cover those surgeries which are mandated because of an illness,Different Types of Ear Surgery Articles genetic defect or accident. Here are some things to think about:

- Microtia: Microtia is a congenital defect which most often appears in male babies. Rather than being on both sides, this problem usually only shows up on one side, most often the right side. There are four levels of severity for this malady, Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4. Stage 4 is also called anotia. Anotia is the most severe form and it entails the entire pinna, or outer portion, being absent. The other three stages entail missing portions in varying degrees. Doctors aren’t sure about its origin but believe that the defect stems from prescription drug use, such as Accutane, or from exposure to toxic chemicals or lack of blood flow during the mother’s pregnancy. It could also be a result of a genetic predisposition.

- Ear surgery to correct Microtia: There are operations which can correct this malady including bone grafts from the patient’s rib cage, a plastic implanted skeletal device and having a prosthesis made. Depending on the choice of procedure, the reconstruction can begin as early as age three. It is advised that reconstructive operations be performed in early childhood before the child’s self esteem is too severely affected.

- Hearing not affected: Because Microtia affects the pinna, hearing is not damaged. Hearing occurs in the inner portion. These inner workings are formed at a different time during gestation and so are usually left intact and functional.

- Otoplasty: A cosmetic ear alteration to reduce size or change positioning is called otoplasty. This operation entails making an incision behind the ears in the cartilage. Some skin and cartilage may need to be removed in order to sculpt the organ into proper size. Once the remaining tissue is folded into proper position, the doctor stitches it into permanence. This is considered a cosmetic procedure and is done by a plastic surgeon. It is also an operation which can be done during childhood, beginning at age five or six years old. The ears are considered fully grown by that age and it is believed to be wise to complete the procedure before the child’s self esteem is damaged.

- Tubes: A child who has frequent ear infections is susceptible to diseases and hearing loss. In order to keep fluid from accumulating, tiny plastic spools are placed by a doctor called an otolaryngologist. This doc places the device through an incision in the eardrum. These devices usually remain in place for nearly a year in which case the ears may be ready to function healthily on their own.

There are different kinds of ear surgery which may be required depending on the circumstances. Operations may improve appearance, be reconstructive or help a child to avoid infection, hearing loss and pain.

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