The term “protruding ears” describes ears that stick out more than 2 cm from the face, which may concern the new mother. According to studies, taping back a baby’s ear has a high success rate in treating protruding ears.
Early taping treatment for babies yields better outcomes with less risk and expense. Taping is a satisfactory method for parents with an 80% success rate. It only required a minimal amount of action. Parents were surprised that only three weeks of taping the baby’s ear back appeared to have a significant impact on the appearance of the ear.
What Causes Your Baby’s Ear to Become Prominent?
The term “protruding ears” basically causes this condition. Protruding ears don’t cause any functional issues, such as hearing loss. People may call the appearance of ears “mickey ears or bat ears”. They are merely a minor flaw in your baby’s looks, adding more cuteness overall.
Treatment Options for Protruding Ears:
The treatment plan includes both non-surgical and surgical procedures.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Using tape to fix the prominent ear of the baby. The silicone splint, which is attached using special adhesives, as it gradually reshapes the cartilage. With this technique, the ear deformity of babies can be resolved in a few weeks to a few months.
Surgical Treatment
Otoplasty, also known as “pinnaplasty,” is a surgical procedure used to permanently reshape the exterior of the ear, or “pinna,” and give it the desired looks. It is better to postpone surgery until your child is between 5 and 6 years old.
Treatment of Protruding Ears with Taping (Rate of Success)
Taping For Lop-Ear, 100% for Stahl’s Ear, 67% for Protruding Ear
The research was conducted on Newborns with ear abnormalities at the Orillia Regional Perinatal Centre. The number of babies with abnormalities was 90. (WG Smith, 2005).
- To observe and track the results before and after photos were taken.
- The baby’s ears were waxed and taped for more than a month.
- Later, at six weeks old, a plastic surgeon evaluated the photographs of the infants.
Findings showed that a nonsurgical, user-friendly, safe intervention for rare genetic ear deformities was very successful and gained great parent satisfaction. Among those receiving treatment, 59% had a lop ear, 19% had Stahl’s ear, 17% had protruded ears, and 3% had cryptotia.
Taping At Three-Month-Old
The treatment group’s ear appearance improved by 90% overall. This includes 100% for lop-ear, 100% for Stahl’s ear, 67% for protruding ear, and 0% for cryptotia. By six weeks after the procedure, the parents had reported no cases of injury, inflammation, or overall ear trauma.
It is a case where the baby’s ear abnormalities first became apparent to the mother at three months old. (Smith, Toye, & Smith, 2003). Before taping:
- The baby’s ear was 1.5 cm.
- The distance between the scalp and the medial aspect of the upper helix (right ear).
- The ear was taped for a month and then removed.
After measuring the protruding ear, the result was 1.0 cm. The Baby mama was amazed by the outcomes.
Taping at 2 month
The mother, in this case, initially noticed the right ear protruding at two months of age. Later, examination revealed that the right ear was more outer than the left.
- The distance measured from the medial surface of the upper helical structure to the scalp was 1.6 cm. (Smith, Toye, & Smith, 2003)
- The outer rim of the ear was filled with dental wax and taped.
- After the tape was removed, the ears that were prominent when measured appeared to be 1.1 cm in total.
Disadvantages of Taping Baby’s Ears Back
- It can also be difficult to tape a baby’s ears back.
- Only a few deformities cannot be corrected with taping.
- Even though tape may pin the ears back, it can still result in an unnatural shape or even a new deformity.
Advantages of Taping Baby’s Ears Back
- Sticking out the ear with tape is linked to a positive psychological effect.
- Improved performance across all facets of life leads to higher levels of self-worth and social competence.
- It is a low-cost option.
- Baby’s ears appear to be reshaped by taping, resulting in a long-lasting correction without surgery.
Conclusion
Moms don’t want to compromise on their baby’s good looks, whether complexion, height or even aesthetic ear deformity. Which barely notice by anyone as long as it is not as prominent as Ferrel of Megamind. Of course, as your baby grows up, you might worry that his friends will make fun of him. Always choose a qualified, experienced, surgeon if you’re thinking about surgically correcting your ear shape.
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