TL;DR:
- Protruding ears affect ~5% of people globally; widely accepted in some cultures but stigmatized in Western societies.
- Main causes: genetics, fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, anatomical defects, injuries, etc.
- In infants, ear protrusion often self-corrects; the auricle develops until age 6-7.
- Children aged 12-14 are ideal for ear correction surgery due to cartilage flexibility and use of local anesthesia.
- Non-surgical methods (e.g., ear taping) are ineffective.
- Surgical correction (otoplasty) is the most effective treatment, with results visible immediately after the procedure.
- ~90% of cosmetic ear surgeries in children are for protruding ears; otoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgeries worldwide.
It is estimated that pronounced ears are a problem for up to 5% of people worldwide. While in the culture of Far Eastern countries, protruding ears are not a problem and are even a sign of great happiness, they are no longer viewed so positively in Western societies. The deterioration in appearance caused by imperfect ears is a source of complexes for many people. But after all, there is no need to worry excessively – it is better to learn what are the causes of protruding ears and how to get rid of this problem, that's what!
The problem with protruding ears
When we talk about protruding ears, we are actually talking about the outer part of the ear – the so-called auricle. It is made up of cartilage, and it is the cartilage that is responsible for the shape of the ear and its adherence to the head. Both protruding ears in women and protruding ears in men can be a big problem and a cause of low self-esteem. Women are in a better position here, as they can hide these defects under an appropriate hairstyle. But is it really worth agonizing over the problem for a lifetime instead of opting for the correction of protruding ears? It is also worth paying special attention to the situation of children. Far-away ears in a child is not only an aesthetic problem, but often also a psychological one. Imperfections in appearance usually have a stronger emotional impact on the child, but they can also be a reason for lack of acceptance from the peer group, which can imprint further negative self-perception and lead to a lot of negative behavior. So do not underestimate the problem of protruding ears in a child, but try to seek help for it.
Protruding ears – causes
It is worth knowing that the development of the auricle begins already in fetal life, around the 4th month of pregnancy. Its structure is therefore subject to genetic factors. Therefore, the problem of protruding ears is most often considered a congenital defect of the external ear. This defect is most often due to an abnormal formation of the grobella or its complete absence. The grobella is the convex part of the cartilage behind which the ear is bent toward the back of the head. If there is a problem with the grobelka, the ear may curl toward the skull, resulting in the effect of protruding ears. The causes of ear protrusion can vary. Among the most common are:
- genetics,
- fetal alcohol syndrome,
- Down syndrome,
- myotonic dystrophy,
- anatomical defects, such as the so-called _ cup ear_ (retracted) caused by the presence of Darwin's nodule, Marchiavelli's ear and satyr's ear, dangling ear, auricle lobe abnormalities, etc..,
- injuries to the auricle.
Protruding ears in a child
Protruding ears in a newborn baby should not be a cause for concern. In most cases, this is the result of improper positioning of the baby in the womb, and after some time, the protruding ears in the infant will spontaneously deform properly. It is also important to note that the auricle is formed until about 6-7 years of age. Only then can it be determined whether there is a problem with protruding ears in a child and take possible action. Until then, the ears may stand out only seemingly, which is related to the fact that the tissues that build the auricle develop faster compared to the growth of the head. When the proportions of these body parts and the speed of their development reach equilibrium, the protruding ears will cease to be noticeable. When a child is diagnosed with a problem of protruding ears, it is worth knowing that the age of 12-14 is the best time to perform a treatment for protruding ears. First – local anesthesia can already be used in children at this age, and second – the cartilage that builds up the auricle still shows relatively good deformability at that time. In older children and adults, the correction of protruding ears is also possible, but quite significantly more difficult, due to the calcifications that often occur. Correction of protruding ears in a child under 14 years of age results in better aesthetic results of the procedure.
Surgical correction – the best way to correct protruding ears.
Many people looking for independent methods to correct protruding ears come across various tips on the Internet, such as using ear tourniquets or gluing the auricles to the scalp with patches (aesthetic ear correctors). Taking these types of measures certainly won't help with protruding ears, unless it causes harm.
The most effective way to treat protruding ears is a surgical procedure (known as otoplasty). According to statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), otoplasty is among the circle of frequently performed plastic surgeries worldwide. In 2011 alone, it accounted for as much as 10% of plastic surgery procedures performed in all countries, and in 2014, as many as 247,518 ear correction procedures were performed worldwide. Interestingly, 90% of plastic surgeries in children are procedures to correct protruding ears. Surgical treatment for protruding ears is therefore a proven and safe method to improve the appearance and comfort of many people. The unquestionable advantage is that the effects of ear correction surgery are visible immediately after the procedure. Where is it worth performing otoplasty procedure? Of course, at our Clinic, that's where! We encourage you to learn more about our offer in the field of surgical ear correction and how the procedure goes.
Conclusion
Protruding ears can deeply impact confidence, especially in children. Causes range from genetics to specific syndromes or injuries, with early intervention often providing the best outcomes. While home remedies lack effectiveness, surgical correction, like otoplasty, offers safe and lasting results. Addressing this concern isn’t just cosmetic; it can profoundly improve self-esteem and psychological well-being. Taking proactive steps, whether for yourself or your child, ensures a lasting solution to this common issue.
