EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System

Nonsurgical Molds to Correct Infant Ear Deformity

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What are baby ear deformities? – EarWell®

Baby ear deformities are irregularly shaped ears in newborn infants that are often treated without surgery. Nonsurgical infant ear molding should be treated early with the nonsurgical EarWell® Infant Ear Deformity Correction System device. The best results for ear molding treatment in babies with mild ear deformities occurs when the EarWell® is applied within the first six weeks of life due to the softness (malleability) of the babies ear cartilage. EarWell® application or other ear molding techniques following eight weeks in newborn infant ear deformities are less effective and surgery may become necessary later in life.

The EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System is the first and most advanced nonsurgical infant ear deformity molding device co-invented by Dr. Steve Byrd and developed by Becon Medical Premium Medical Devices. EarWell® provides advanced technology and professional training for consistent results. The molding material quality is malleable, delicate enough to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, and nonirritating to the babies skin. The EarWell® is a remarkable medical device that will help over millions of children born in the US and globally with ear deformities. Becon is a global pioneer in the development of medical-surgical products, instruments and equipment.

When should I Consult with an EarWell® Physician?

A majority of baby ear deformities or congenital auricular anomalies are the result of ear position while inside the uterus. It is not uncommon for newborns to have temporarily folded misshapen ears. Approximately one-third of infants are born with misshapen ears which can be classified as  a deformity (no missing tissue) or a true malformation (some degree of missing skin and/or cartilage).  While many deformities are only a cosmetic concern can be treated with EarWell®, hearing loss and developmental delays can also be associated with severe ear deformities like anotia and microtia. Other ear anomalies can be the result of a genetic mutation affecting nearby bones, nerves, cartilage, and muscles and may also affect other systems of the body such as Goldenhar syndrome and CHARGE syndrome.

Since it is unknown which ear deformities will correct to some degree on their own, it is important to consult at birth with an EarWell®  physician by clicking on our global EarWell® Physician Locator. EarWell® has over 500 trained physicians throughout the US and globally.

Our Physician Locator will assist you in finding the closest EarWell® physician by name or global location. You may also call our toll free phone number 866-431-0480.

What are baby ear deformities? Consult EarWell® Physician Locator

EarWell® Physician Locator

Normal Anatomy of the Infant Ear (Pinna or Auricle)

To better understand the infant outer ear anatomy will assist in understanding how many physicians classify baby ear deformities or congenital auricular anomalies. The pinna, also referred to as the auricle, is the outer part of the ear that collects sound. At birth, the external ear is made of a soft, thin and pliable cartilage. Sound travels to the ear canal (auditory canal) and ends at the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

Anatomy of What are baby ear deformities? - EarWell®

  • Antihelix (antihelix) forms a ‘Y’ shape where the upper parts are located
  • Antitragus is below the tragus
  • Aperture is the entrance to the ear canal
  • Auricular sulcus is the depression behind the ear next to the head
  • Concha is the hollow next to the ear canal
  • Conchal angle is the angle that the back of the concha makes with the side of the head
  • Crus of the helix is just above the tragus
  • Cymba conchae is the narrowest end of the concha
  • External auditory meatus is the opening of the ear canal
  • Fossa triangularis is the depression in the fork of the antihelix
  • Helix is the folded over outside edge of the ear
  • Intertragal notch is the space between the tragus and antitragus
  • Lobe (lobule) may be attached or free, based on genetics
  • Scapha is the depression or groove between the helix and the antihelix
  • Tragus is the small pointed eminence of the external ear that is in front of the concha and projects back over the meatus

What are the Types of Infant Ear Deformities and Malformations?

A majority of baby ear deformities are congenital auricular anomalies and can be by a fully developed but misshapen ear (pinna/auricle) as a result of pressure forces in the uterus. The helix (rim) and antihelix of the pinna are most commonly involved. See Stahl’s ears, lop ear, protruding (prominent)  ear, and constricted ear.

Ear malformations result from abnormalities in the embryological development of the form or structure of the ear, often with missing skin and/or cartilage. See ear malformations like anotia, microtia, preauricular sinus, and ear tags.

Baby Ear Deformities

Baby Ear Malformations

  • Anotia Ear
  • Microtia Ear
  • Ear Pit
  • Ear Tag
  • Earlobe Cleft
  • Earlobe Malformation
  • Earlobes Duplication
  • Preauricular Sinus

Ear Trauma

  • Cauliflower Ear
  • Ear Hemangiomas
  • Ear Keloids
  • Earlobes Duplication
  • Earlobes Split