Ear reconstruction

Overview

We provide ear reconstruction to restore the shape and function of the ear for children born with microtia (a small or missing ear) or other differences and adults who have lost an ear because of an injury, surgery or illness. Every patient is unique. Before treatment, our team will meet with you to talk through the options and decide what is best for you.

Treatment options

Using your own cartilage (autogenous ear reconstruction)

This option uses cartilage from your ribs to build a new ear. The most common method is the Nagata technique, which takes cartilage from three ribs on the same side as the affected ear.

The Nagata technique: What to expect

Ear reconstruction using the Nagata technique usually happens in several steps:

1. Assessment: The care team measures your chest to see if there is enough cartilage for surgery. For a child, the chest must measure 60 centimetres. This usually happens around age 8 to 10.
2. Surgery: Cartilage is taken from three ribs on the same side as the affected ear. It is shaped to create the framework of the new ear. The surgery can take up to seven hours, and you will need to stay in hospital for about four days.
3. Recovery: Healing takes time. The new ear is firmer than a natural ear because stronger cartilage is needed to create it.
4. Second stage (if needed): After about a year, a second procedure may be suggested to improve how the ear looks.
5. Follow up: You will not need ongoing maintenance once your ear has fully healed, but you may need to check in with your care team if you have any issues or concerns. With proper head protection, children can return to most sports safely.

Using a prosthetic ear

A custom prosthetic ear can be made from synthetic materials to match your other ear. This may be the best choice if surgery is not possible, or if you prefer a non-surgical option.

Learn more about hearing solutions

Getting hearing support

In some cases, the inner ear works normally, but the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear do not. A bone-anchored hearing device can improve your hearing by sending sound directly to the inner ear. This involves placing a small titanium implant behind the ear.

Patient journey

In most cases, care follows five basic steps:

1. Assessment: A specialist will examine your ear and talk with you about treatment options.
2. Planning: If you choose surgery, your care team will explain the procedure, recovery and expected results.
3. Scheduling: Surgery will be booked when you are ready. For children, it is often once their chest size reaches 60 centimetres (usually at age 8 to 10).
4. Surgery and recovery: The operation will be done using the Nagata technique or another method. You will stay in hospital about four days.
5. Follow up: You may return for check-ins with your care team. In some cases, a second surgery will be suggested after one year to refine the ear.