Ears

Question 1

Are ear tags normal?

Answer 1

Yes often inherited.

Question 2

What is an ear pit?

Answer 2

A subtle finding located at the higher attachment of the pinna to the face. May be unilateral or bilateral.
Less common in Caucasian and African Americans.
Most often benign.

Question 3

What syndrome is a rare association with ear pits? When May screening be necessary?

Answer 3

Brachio-oto-renal syndrome (affects hearing and renal systems).
Screen When other abnormalities are present OR family Hx deafness OR gestational diabetes.

Question 4

What should be done about a misshapen pointy ear?

Answer 4

This is Stahl’s ear. Cause by an extra fold in the cartilage. It is purely a cosmetic issue. Although earlier correction is more successful.

Question 5

What is lop ear?

Answer 5

A folded down ear. Benign. May be improved with splinting.

Question 6

What is microtia?

Answer 6

A small ill-formed pinna that could affect hearing.

Question 7

What should be done about hypoplastic (small) ears?

Answer 7

Referral.
Small and/or low set ears indicate genetic syndromes.
Also abnormal pinna may also indicate internal ear abnormalities associated with hearing.

Question 8

What should be done about low set ears?

Answer 8

Referral. May indicate genetic syndromes. Ie trisomy 21.