Are you worried about your baby ending up with the so-called floppy baby ear /sticking ears because of the way they fold during sleep? Ear lidding is not uncommon, and according to reports, over 15% of newborns have this deformity, which often ranges from mild to severe. Usually, the cartilage is meant to support the upper part of your baby’s ear folds as your baby sleeps or even leans against your chest. As the cartilage bends, the appearance is usually that of a folded ear. Without molding, which should be done in the first week of your baby’s life, your child’s ears may adopt the shape for the rest of their life.
While there are no clear causes of ear deformity, experts state that the conditions are closely linked to congenital disorders and occur during late fetal development. Some of the probable causes could be a reduction in blood supply to that part of your baby’s body. Genetic predisposition and mutations could also be a likely factor. Other reports state that exposure to certain toxins or medications during pregnancy could cause such issues.
What You Need to Do Once You Notice the Ear Deformity
Even though the diagnosis for ear deformity happens at birth, you need to alert the doctor if you notice it much later quickly. Once at the clinic, the practitioner does the required examination, including thorough checks of your baby’s ears to confirm the deformity. They may then refer you to the right specialist. Any appointment is usually for the earliest time possible to evaluate and treat the disorder. The most common treatment for ear folding is ear molding to reshape your child’s deformity.
The Best Treatment Option for Your Baby
Once the doctor diagnoses your baby with this congenital disorder, treatment comes almost immediately with little time to waste. It is because of the earlier the intervention, the more effective the treatment. Most specialists do recommend ear molding as the first and most baby-friendly treatment option. The procedure is non-invasive and should be done when the cartilage is still soft for the best results at reshaping. The good news is that the earlier your baby receives therapy, the shorter the healing process, and the more success is guaranteed, ensuring your baby has perfectly shaped ears.
The process involves the customization of an ear splint to match your child’s ear’s shape and size. The practitioner will start by thoroughly cleaning your child’s affected ear and then apply a liquid adhesive at the exact cartilage spot. Coupled with Seri strips, they can secure the splint in place to start restructuring the ear. This process is not painful, and your baby will experience full recovery without any discomfort.
Why Ear Molding Is Always the Treatment of Choice for Newborns
The procedure in which both non-surgical and non-invasive is readily available to help your baby have normal shaped ears. The molding should be done, preferably in the first to the second week, not later than one month of your baby’s life. This type of treatment is usually gentle and offers a permanent result for your little one.
Why You Should Never Wait to Reshape
Experts advise the earlier the reshaping takes place, the better the chances of righting the shape of your child’s ear. This is because your baby’s cartilage begins to harden as from week six after birth. And it can be quite challenging for any molding to occur after that. The ear cartilage is often so soft right after birth because your estrogen is still present in your baby. The mold works by holding your child’s ear in the right shape until the cartilage naturally begins to harden. Healing is often quite fast as the baby’s, which follows the natural cartilage hardening process.
You do not have to despair if you discover that your baby ears are folding. Although some parents resign to fate, this should not be so. All you have to do is consult your doctor as quickly as possible to have your baby diagnosed and treated. The best thing is that your baby feels no pain. So do not wait, as waiting means that only invasive surgical methods could be used to correct your baby’s ear.
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