About the microtia program
The microtia program at Children’s Minnesota provides coordinated, comprehensive care for your child. We care for children with microtia, atresia and other differences of the outer ear and ear canal. We are the region’s only program, and one of only a few programs nationally, designed to bring together hearing care, reconstructive surgery and long-term family support in one place.
Because microtia and atresia can sometimes be associated with other medical needs, we work closely with colleagues in genetics, radiology and our craniofacial team. This helps us connect families with the right specialists when needed. Our goal is to create a customized roadmap for each child that supports their individual hearing, development, appearance, confidence and long-term well-being.
Our program is directed by Dr. Siva Chinnadurai and coordinated by Kristin Kemper, APRN-CNP.
Conditions, services and evaluations
The microtia program evaluates and treats children with:
- Microtia
- Aural atresia, also called canal atresia
- Ear canal stenosis, or a very narrow ear canal
- External ear differences
- External ear injuries
- Abnormal ear shape concerns
- Hearing concerns related to outer ear or ear canal differences
Services may include:
- Newborn and infant evaluation
- Hearing testing and long-term hearing monitoring
- Bone conduction hearing device evaluation and management
- Imaging when appropriate
- Genetics referral when recommended
- Surgical ear reconstruction
- Surgical hearing management
- Coordination with other pediatric specialists
- Long-term follow-up through childhood and adolescence
- Family education, counseling and advocacy
Why choose the microtia program at Children’s Minnesota?
Coordinated care in one place: As one of the largest and most comprehensive microtia and atresia programs in the country. Our team works together alongside you to manage referrals for hearing, reconstruction, imaging, genetics and specialty care.
Advanced research and clinical trials: Our team helps develop new techniques, including combining microtia reconstruction with bone conduction hearing device surgery. We are also actively involved in research to improve care for children with microtia and atresia.
Care personalized to your family’s goals: Some families focus on hearing. Others are thinking about reconstruction. We help you understand your options and make informed decisions over time.
Expert leadership: Dr. Siva Chinnadurai is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in microtia care and reconstructive surgery. He helps lead the Microtia Task Force for the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Support beyond medical care: We partner with advocacy groups like Ear Community to support families and raise awareness. We want to expand knowledge and create more open, supportive conversations about microtia and atresia.
Frequently asked questions
What is microtia?
Microtia is a congenital difference of the outer ear in which the ear does not fully develop during the first trimester of pregnancy. The appearance can vary widely. Some ears are only slightly smaller or differently shaped, while others may have only a small amount of ear tissue.
Microtia occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births, although rates can vary depending on many factors. In most cases, it affects only one ear, more commonly the right ear, and it is more common in males.
Microtia affects the outer ear. It is often associated with the absence of the ear canal, called canal atresia or aural atresia, or with an extremely narrow ear canal, called canal stenosis. These ear canal differences can affect hearing, which is why early hearing evaluation and follow-up are important.
Who should be seen in the microtia program?
We are happy to evaluate any child with a concern about abnormal ear shape through our ear shape and microtia care pathway. Children with microtia, atresia or ear canal narrowing may need additional evaluation and long-term care. Our ear shape specialists can guide families through their care journey.
You do not need to know exactly what diagnosis your child has before reaching out. If there is a concern about the shape, size, position or development of the outer ear, our specialist can help determine whether additional hearing testing, imaging, specialty care or follow-up is needed.
In many cases, families can be referred by their pediatrician, primary care provider or another specialist. Families with concerns about their child’s ear shape may also contact us directly to request an evaluation.
What makes care for microtia and atresia different from a typical ear visit?
Microtia and atresia often involve more than the appearance of the ear.
Because of this, your child may need hearing testing, hearing support, imaging, discussion of reconstructive options and screening for other associated conditions. As your child grows, you may have new questions along the way.
Our microtia program brings these pieces together so families can receive clear guidance from ear specialists that understand the full range of medical, hearing, developmental and reconstructive considerations.
Do we have to have ear reconstruction and when should ear reconstruction be discussed?
Choosing ear reconstruction is a very personal decision. While many families choose this option, it is not required. Even if you decide to move forward, reconstruction is not an urgent decision in infancy.
Early care is focused on hearing, development and family education. We also make sure there are no other medical needs that need attention.
There are options in reconstruction including observation, prosthetics, or using your child’s own tissue to create a new ear.
As your child grows, you can learn more about reconstruction options, timing and what to expect. We help you consider these choices thoughtfully based on your child’s anatomy, hearing, development, your family’s goals and your child’s preferences as they get older.
Many children are eligible for hearing surgery at age 5 and reconstructive surgery around age 7, but these estimates vary based on your child’s specific needs.
Are services and evaluations covered by insurance?
In almost all cases, hearing services, clinic visits and surgical reconstruction are covered by insurance when medically indicated. Coverage can vary depending on the insurance plan and the specific service being provided.
Because insurance requirements can vary, our scheduling team can help families understand whether a formal referral is needed before the visit.
We help families understand the steps involved and work through insurance questions as part of the care process.
What does long-term care look like for my child?
We like to meet families early. This helps us understand your child’s needs, answer questions and provide reassurance. Early visits also allow us to make sure hearing is being evaluated and supported during an important period of speech and language development.
In general, we recommend seeing newborns within the first 3 months of life. Many children return once or twice during the first year. This helps us make sure hearing and development are on track. After that, many patients follow up every 1 to 2 years, depending on their hearing needs, reconstructive goals and overall care plan.
Because every child is different, follow-up is customized. Some children need closer hearing monitoring or device support, while others may return periodically as they approach ages when reconstructive options can be discussed in more detail.
