About five per cent of people in the UK have prominent or 'sticking out' ears. While they do not cause any physical problems they can sometimes cause teasing and low self-esteem in children. According to consultant plastic surgeon, Mr David Gault, at Great Ormond Street and Mount Vernon Hospital, 'If you have prominent ears people sometimes consider you to be less intelligent. It's all subconscious and subliminal stuff and you have two options - psychotherapy, or you change the shape of the ears.' But now, the surgeon has devised a technique to correct the condition that avoids the need for surgery.
What causes prominent ears?
Prominent ears is a congenital condition that presents itself at birth, and often runs in families where more then one member has ears that stick out.
Recent research also suggests that when developing in the womb, the slightly abnormal growth of the tiny little ear muscles could potentially pull the whole ear forwards.
Early intervention technique
In response to many parents' concerns about their child's ears, Mr Gault has pioneered a simple, non-invasive pliable splint technique called Ear Buddies to correct prominent ears in babies, and avoid the need for surgery by resetting the ears within two weeks. 'Neonatal moulding can help, replacing the need for surgery in some cases and solving the problems associated with having prominent ears before the child attends nursery,' he says.
How does neonatal moulding work?
The device works as a simple splint that fits in the rim of the ear and is taped in place. It is recommended for use on newborns between birth and six months of age. 'The splints are most effective at this age because the ear is very floppy, like a butterfly coming out of the chrysalis and having its wings set,' says Mr Gault.
At this age children also lack the dexterity to reach up to their ears and pull the splints off when they are put to bed at night. The splint is also made of silicone - a child-friendly, sealed material that can bend in every direction to enable it to fit into a child's ear.
What age group is currently benefiting from the technique?
Children being born now currently represent the biggest group to benefit from the new technique because of the recent publicity about reshaping ears. While the device is not generally recommended on infants above six months of age Mr Gault has fitted the splint on one-year-olds. However, he questions the ability of older children to cope with having something in their ear.
What are the problems associated with this technique?
This is a new technique and there has not yet been any long-term follow-up.
According to Mr Gault, the biggest problem is often members of the family who find it upsetting to seeing tape or splints strapped to their newborn baby.
'Parents need to be very enthusiastic about the child wearing the splint, or it won't work,' he says.
In order to make the device more acceptable and child-friendly, the surgeon has developed Ear Buddies to come with a range of hats and headbands to hide the splints.
Surgical techniques
Surgery is also a commonly practised procedure in the UK for treating children with prominent ears. However, it is not usually carried out until after the age of five or six, when the ears are fully grown. The child is usually operated on under a general anaesthetic, where the surgeon cuts away some of the skin and tissue behind each ear and stitches it back into its new position.
Important advice
For any child with prominent ears it is important for parents not to rush into any definite decision about cosmetic surgery.
It is highly recommended that they first discuss the issue with their GP, who will be able to give them appropriate advice. NW Noa-6 Further information
* While the phenomenon of splinting people at birth is not new, the Ear Buddies splinting technique is a relatively new concept, and is therefore not readily available on the NHS. However, the kit is available to the public and can be purchased by phone on 0906 802 0197 or online: www.
earbuddies.co.uk
* British Association of Plastic Surgeons www.baps.co.uk
* Bupa hcd2.bupa.co.uk
