VUMC Raising Awareness about Microtia

National Microtia Awareness Day is dedicated to spreading awareness, knowledge and hope about microtia.  The purpose is to educate the public about microtia and provide support to the families who in some way may have been affected by microtia. 

Microtia is a congenital birth defect of the ears.  It occurs when the outer ear does not fully develop during the first trimester of pregnancy or when the outer ear is absent also known as anotia. Microtia is often accompanied by atresia, which is hearing loss due to the absence or closure of the external auditory ear canal.  

National Microtia Awareness Day was established in 2016 by Melissa Tumblin, who also founded Ear Community in 2010.  Melissa founded Ear Community to provide information, support and resources for all of those affected by these conditions.

Vanderbilt Microtia-Atresia clinic takes place the fourth Monday of each month.  This is a multi-disciplinary clinic.  Each provider consults with the patient and their family regarding their area of sub-specialty and provide them with a comprehensive, personalized consultation on each area of microtia-atresia. 

Facts about Microtia:

• Microtia and Atresia occurs in 1 out of every 5,000 births, but can be affected regionally.
• Approximately 500 babies are born with Microtia and Atresia in the United States each year.
• Ears are 85% fully grown by six years of age.
• The right ear is more commonly affected by Microtia.
• Microtia and Atresia typically occurs more often in males.
• Microtia and Atresia is more common in the Asian, Native American, Ecuadorian, and Latino/Hispanic ethnicities, but is least commonly found in African Americans.
• Microtia and Atresia can occur independently on its own or it can be associated with other syndromes such as Treacher Collins, Nager Syndrome, Branchio Oto Renal Syndrome, and Goldenhar Syndrome.
• Microtia and Atresia can an affect either the left or right ear (unilaterally) or both ears (bilaterally).
• For most patients, Microtia seems to be “idiopathic.” Therefore, we do not know at this time what causes the condition.