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Ear Molding using the Earwell Infant Ear Correction System
Key benefits:
- Corrects ear deformities
- Avoids/minimises the need for future corrective surgery
- Non-surgical treatment that involves just the use of specially designed splints
Procedure details:
- A special splint is customised and applied onto the affected ear
- Each device is worn for at least 4 – 6 weeks
- The device is changed every 2 weeks
A perfect pair of ears may not draw your attention like a sparkling smile or a stunning pair of eyes.
But deformed ears are distracting, and they are very common. Up to one in three babies are born with misshapen ears. Apart from being a distracting feature, it can have a negative impact on one’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. It is research-proven that ear deformities can adversely affect a child’s self-esteem.
Fortunately, most ear deformities, like those shown below, can be corrected non-surgically in a newborn. After just weeks of splinting, the deformation is restored to a normal ear form. Effectiveness is superb and in certain deformities, more than 90% of babies achieve good or excellent results in a study done by our plastic surgeon Dr. Chia Hui Ling. Dr Chia is an expert in ear molding and a top user of Earwell in Singapore. Her study on ear molding was published in a renown international plastic surgery journal. Dr Chia was also featured in magazines and won awards for her presentations on ear molding.
Do not miss the golden window
It is crucial that ear molding is started as early as possible for maximal effectiveness and minimal complications, preferably within the first week of life. Nonethless, ear molding is still effective within the first three months after birth. Once this golden window has passed, surgical correction is recommended after 5 years of age.
Ear molding procedure
We will shave a narrow rim of hair around the ear. The Earwell device, or a similar splint (depending on your baby’s ear condition), is customised and applied onto the affected ear. We will check your baby every 1 to 2 weeks. Each device is worn for at least 4-6 weeks. The device is changed every 2 weeks.
Risks
Your baby may develop skin rash and abrasions. This is more common in our local warm and humid climate. In less than 10% of ears, the deformity may not correct fully or may recur. This is more common when baby is born with shortage of ear skin and cartilage (also known as ear malformations).
Good to know
We advise to keep your baby cool and dry in air-conditioned rooms to avoid device loosening.
