What is a prosthesis?
A prosthesis is an artificially made product that helps restore a missing, disfigured, or malformed part of the face or body, including an ear. Each prosthesis is custom-made for the individual patient and is made of a silicone based material for establishing a realistic look and feel with flexibility. The desired goal of a prosthesis is to restore form and function. A prosthesis should replicate missing anatomy as closely as possible resulting in a natural and lifelike appearance. A well made prosthesis can help to restore self confidence and ease the anxiety one might experience when out in public.
At what age can you have a prosthetic ear?
A patient born with Microtia and Atresia may be a candidate to wear a prosthetic ear as early as two years of age. There is no age cap for a patient needing a prosthetic ear.
When should a prosthetic ear be considered?
A prosthetic ear can be considered if a patient feels self-conscious about his/her ear. Wearing a prosthetic ear can be an interim option to help restore confidence if the patient is not ready for reconstructive surgery or a prosthetic ear can be a permanent option for the rest of the patient’s life. This decision can be reached after the patient has researched the options for ear reconstruction and having a prosthetic ear.
How does a prosthetic ear attach?
Prosthetic ears can attach with the help of three different techniques:
1. Adhesive/glue – A prosthetic ear can be made to slip over the area of an existing Microtic ear with the help of an adhesive holding the ear in place. This option is common when a patient does not choose to have their ear surgically removed and would like the prosthesis to fit over the existing ear remnants.
2. Magnets and snaps – A prosthetic ear can also be held on with magnets or clips on the prosthesis that snap on to bone-anchored implants. These options would require minor surgery for the bone-anchored implants to be placed in the skull.
Using bone anchored implants:
Titanium implants have been in use for decades with excellence tolerance. Titanium implants will also not set off security alarms at the airport. In Europe, 98% of all patients in need of an ear prosthesis use implants for prosthetic placement. If a patient is still considering reconstructive surgery in the future, always consult with both an anaplastologist for the prosthesis and the reconstructive surgeon regarding surgery because having bone anchored implants implanted for the prosthetic ear may eliminate the option for auricular construction in the future if too much tissue has been compromised. It is convenient to have bone anchored implants placed at the time the ear or ear remnants are surgically removed. Bone anchored implants are an excellent method for keeping a prosthetic ear in place for most activities.
Advantages of prosthetic restoration:
A prosthetic ear can offer a more natural appearance and is minimally invasive offering less surgical intervention. A prosthesis can be created to match the other ear and look very realistic. A prosthetic ear can also allow a patient to wear glasses and hearing devices.
Disadvantages of prosthetic restoration:
The prosthetic ear must be replaced annually due to normal wear-and-tear. If the microtic ear is removed to allow for a prosthesis, the option for auricular reconstruction may be eliminated. Re-making the prosthesis will be a lifelong need. A prosthesis may not be able to be worn at all times depending on the activity and the method of retention used. The prosthesis may fade over time and must be maintained, cleaned, and cared for daily for longevity sake.
In this video from July 2019, Ocularist and Anaplastologist Scott Fiscus discusses advantages and disadvantages of prosthetic ears.
For more information about prosthetic ears and how a prosthesis can help improve your quality of life, contact Scott Fiscus at Precision Ocular Prosthetics | 2611 Westwood Drive, Suite A, Nashville, TN 37204-2709
T: 615-361-0930 | TF: 888-345-0930 | F: 615-467-7507 | E: info@scottfiscus.com | W: www.scottfiscus.com
To make an appointment, e-mail us at: MicrotiaAtresiaClinic@VUMC.org or call ph: 615-343-6166.