Important info for Parents of Babies with Unusual Ear Growth

We recently welcomed our baby about three weeks ago. They were born with a protruding ear, which means it sticks out more than typical. Initially, we didn’t think much of it and assumed there was nothing to be done, so we didn’t mention it in the hospital or during our first pediatrician visit. We couldn’t see our usual doctor because of the holidays.

During our two-week check-up, we finally mentioned it to our regular pediatrician. To our surprise, there is a treatment that involves using a mold to reshape the ear. However, the catch is that this treatment is only 50% effective after the baby reaches three weeks old, compared to 95% if done before two weeks. This is a significant difference, especially considering that this treatment could prevent years of bullying and possibly painful corrective surgery later on.

None of the doctors or nurses we saw after the birth mentioned anything about the ear or that immediate treatment options were available. If we had known, we would have rushed to the doctor ASAP, not only because the mold would likely have worked better but also because we had already met our deductible.

So, this is my message to all new parents who notice that their baby’s ear isn’t developing as expected: speak up to your pediatrician right away, so you can act swiftly if you want to pursue treatment. Thankfully, our baby’s ear doesn’t impact hearing and is purely cosmetic, but I know other babies may face more significant complications. I felt it was important to share this with other parents.

This post may be looking for medical advice. We only allow posts seeking specific experiences from fellow parents. If that’s the case, you’re good. If you’re looking for direct medical advice, your post will be removed, or you may edit it to meet the guidelines.

I had almost the same experience with my baby’s ear that was lidded. Nobody mentioned it until I asked. Fortunately, I brought it up at the hospital. We got the mold applied between 2-3 weeks and managed to do it just before hitting last year’s deductible.

@Ridge
My partner and I think that no one wanted to offend us by mentioning his ear, which annoys me. If a treatment needed to be done within two weeks, they should have risked offending the parents! I’m glad you brought it up early and were able to get the mold before the deductible reset!

@Harlan
Yes, the doctor said she avoided mentioning it because it’s purely cosmetic and many people don’t notice, so it feels uncomfortable to bring it up. I totally get your frustration!

@Ridge
I have a lidded ear too! I didn’t realize it could be treated (though I think I’m too old now :joy:).

Hal said:
@Ridge
I have a lidded ear too! I didn’t realize it could be treated (though I think I’m too old now :joy:).

After all this, I realized mine are slightly lidded too. I never even noticed until now. But my baby’s ear is much more noticeable than mine.

Also, just a heads up about unusual ears—sometimes they can indicate kidney issues. The ears and kidneys develop around the same time.

Cameron said:
Also, just a heads up about unusual ears—sometimes they can indicate kidney issues. The ears and kidneys develop around the same time.

Absolutely true. My son was born with an ear tag, and we have to keep an eye on his kidneys, just in case. It’s always good to be aware.

Cameron said:
Also, just a heads up about unusual ears—sometimes they can indicate kidney issues. The ears and kidneys develop around the same time.

Are there any other related issues? I’m asking as a parent of a child with a cleft lip.

We used molds to correct the top helix fold, which we started around 4 weeks. I can’t remember exactly; it was a busy time. They were pretty pricey, but we got decent results (though not perfect). The doctor noticed it right away since I had an emergency C-section.

My dad had my older sister’s ears ‘pinned’ with cosmetic surgery when she was five because she was delicate and beautiful. He paid to fix her only flaw. He didn’t do the same for me or my little sister, even though we had the same ear issue, but I guess we weren’t pretty enough to bother with it. I wish he had known about molds back then! Now we all have some insecurities, I think. Haha.

My baby had an EarWell put on a misshaped ear when he was just over a week old. It looked like he was wearing an old Bluetooth device for a few weeks, but it mostly fixed the problem. A plastic surgeon had to apply it for some reason, even though it wasn’t actual surgery; I guess it required precise taping.

For us, it was covered by insurance because it was for a birth defect on an infant. We were told if we had waited longer, it would require surgery (EarWells don’t work after infancy) and would then not be covered by insurance.

Initially, a pediatrician had told me it may correct itself (but no, it wouldn’t have), and seemed puzzled about why I wanted to do something about it. I found out about the EarWell and the doctor who applies them from my own research. Due to time constraints, I called immediately and got him in for the procedure. The doctor mentioned that many parents wait too long because there’s a lack of understanding even among pediatricians about the timeframe to correct ear deformities without surgery.

Yes, yes! I had the same thing and it was never treated. I had surgery last year to fix it—thankfully it was covered under insurance because they cover birth defect repairs for those under 26, and I was 22 then. I still wish my parents had managed to correct it!

Another note for those who do get molds: sometimes, insurance companies may deny the claim saying it’s ‘cosmetic,’ even if it’s a recognized birth defect for an infant. Be sure to read up on your insurance policies, verify your coverage, and get it in writing or recorded if possible.

I wish I had known about this earlier! My baby was born with a curled-up right ear, and nobody ever mentioned it. Since he’s my first child, I thought it was normal and would eventually fix itself. Fortunately, it mostly corrected itself, but his ears are still noticeably different. I would have sought a mold had someone just told me. Similarly, with his flat head, no one brought it up either, and now that he’s over 7 months old, he’s beyond the ideal helmet age. :cry: There’s so much to keep track of with babies that just didn’t come to mind for me.