Ears are the source of sound information we receive. Ears are generally similar in size and shape. But if you look closely, you will find that many people have different degrees of ear deformities in their lives, and most of them are born. It is common to have fleshy spots on the ears or protruding ears. Although it does not affect their hearing, it is not beautiful. So what causes ear deformities?

1, processing method

(1) There are many kinds of ear deformities, such as congenital absence of ear, adhesion of ear process or earlobe, etc. Generally, ears have no effect on hearing, so patients generally do not need treatment if they have no great influence on appearance. In addition, no matter what kind of ear deformity, you should go to the hospital in time to check and determine the treatment plan. If it is like congenital ear loss or earlobe adhesion, it should be corrected by surgery as soon as possible.

(2) In the case of congenital deafness, if surgical treatment is adopted, a hole is usually made in the bone, but the facial nerve should be avoided in time, so that the operation can be carried out smoothly without causing great influence on the inside of the ear. If the earlobe is sticky, it needs surgical correction. For example, simple mattress suture and cartilaginous incision and compression are commonly used, and patients can decide whether to perform surgery on the advice of doctors.

2. Classification of malformations

1, congenital preauricular tubule. Commonly known as smart eye, it is one of the most common ear diseases left by incomplete fusion of the first branchial groove in embryo. The thin mouth is often located in the front upper part of the auricle, and the fistula can have branches. There are exfoliated epithelium in the lumen and white and smelly secretions when squeezed. Abscess can be formed when suppurating, and it is necessary to cut and drain pus. Repeated suppuration is easy to form abscess or scar, and fistula and branch resection are needed after recovery. If there is no attack, treatment is generally not needed.

2. Congenital microtia and atresia of external auditory canal. Both often happen at the same time. The former is the first and second branchial arches, while the latter is caused by the disorder of the development of the first branchial groove. It can also be accompanied by middle ear or even inner ear malformation.

Generally, this kind of deformity can be divided into three categories: ① the shape of small auricle is still recognizable, and the atresia of ear canal does not affect the middle ear; (2) Auricle is cord-shaped, ear canal atresia with middle ear malformation, and hearing is transmitted deafness, which is the most common type; The auricle is incomplete, leaving only irregular protrusions. Ear atresia is accompanied by middle ear malformation and involves the inner ear. Hearing is mixed deafness. This type is rare in clinic.

3. Causes of deformity

First of all, embryology

The auricle originated from the first branchial arch (mandibular arch) and the second branchial arch (hyoid arch) of the embryo. In the fifth week of embryo, a part of branchial arch will develop into auricle, and auricle will develop and take shape in the fifth to ninth week of embryo. Six hillocks proliferate and fuse to form a convex auricle, and the first branchial fissure is depressed inward to form an external auditory canal. In the stage of auricle development, embryos are influenced by genetic or external factors, and are prone to various auricle developmental malformations.

Second, genetics.

Congenital microtia can occur alone or as a part of syndrome. Common syndromes are: TreacherCollins syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome, Nagar syndrome and Miller syndrome.

The localization and identification of susceptibility genes of congenital microtia is a hot and difficult point at present, but there is no research result so far.

Third, epidemiology.

The incidence of congenital microtia has been reported differently in the literature, which is related to race and region. The latest reported incidence rate in China is 5. 18/ 10000. There are more males than females (2: 1), and the right deformity is more common, and the bilateral deformity is about 10%.

At present, the cause of microtia is not clear. It is generally believed that it is the result of the combined action of environmental factors and genetic factors. Among environmental factors, viral cold, excessive pregnancy reaction and toxic substances in home decoration are all factors that may lead to microtia. The genetic incidence of patients with family history of microtia is about 2.9%-33.8%.