Our ears, besides being one of the most important sensory organs of our body, also hold an important place in terms of body aesthetics.
If there is a shape irregularity in the ears that bothers the person, this will be a source of unhappiness from an aesthetic point of view. The most noticeable shape irregularity seen in ears is the aesthetic issue commonly known as “prominent ear.” The problem of prominent ears can become a major issue and cause anxiety at any stage of life, regardless of whether it is childhood or adulthood.
Prominent ear is a problem that results from the Y-shaped cartilage fold located in the protruding, cup-shaped part of the ear not developing sufficiently or not forming properly. Because the cartilage tissue cannot develop sufficiently, the angle that should form between it and the skull widens, and the protrusion of the ear begins to tilt forward. As a result, the ears appear open at a wider angle. Under normal conditions, an ear is 6.5 cm in length and 3.5 cm in width.
The angle between the ear and the head region is normally 30 degrees. When compared to these given values, the appearance of larger angles indicates that a prominent ear problem is present. Although this condition is not proven through measurements, it is the type of issue that can easily reveal itself when viewed from the outside. These values, considered normal, change over the years as a person ages. As a result of the earlobes being pulled downward by the effect of gravity, ear measurements change as age progresses. Genetic predisposition can be effective in the formation of prominent ears. In addition, it can also be seen to occur due to congenital causes or various causes that emerge later.
What Are the Factors That Cause Prominent Ears?
- The biggest factor in the formation of prominent ears is the ear cartilage structure. What clearly emerges in examinations is the insufficiency of the ear protrusion fold called the antihelix. The deformity that occurs in this region is seen to mostly cause the flattening of the skull structure, a disproportionate upper ear protrusion, and the widening of the connective tissue linking the ear and head region behind the ear.
- In some cases, even though the antihelical fold has developed very well, the prominent ear problem can still occur because the open part of the ear called the concha has become excessively enlarged. The level of cartilage flexibility present in the ears can vary depending on the level of estrogen the person received from their mother. This again reveals the genetic predisposition among the causative factors.
One or both of the reasons stated above may be present, causing prominent ears to form. In cases where both reasons are present, it is possible to resolve the problem with an effective intervention. What is important at this stage is correctly identifying the main factor causing the formation of prominent ears.
What Is the Effect of Prominent Ears on Individuals?
Whether adult or child, the prominent ear problem is an issue that negatively affects a person’s psychology. Especially when children become the subject of ridicule among their friends throughout their school years, it means they will carry a burden for the rest of their lives. This psychological pressure, which begins in childhood, continues in the same way throughout adolescence and adulthood. When people enter society, if they cannot move comfortably due to the feeling that everyone’s eyes are on their ears, they will withdraw into themselves. The prominent ear problem causes more discomfort in men compared to women. The reason for this is that women can hide their ears with the help of their hair. Since this option is limited for men, the prominent ear problem will be felt more noticeably. It is important for such problems that negatively affect individuals to be treated so that social life is not affected.
Can Prominent Ears Be Treated?
Prominent ear is an aesthetic problem that can be treated. Unfortunately, for this and similar shape irregularities, there are very few methods that can be effective other than surgical intervention. Looking at non-surgical solutions, interventions performed in the first few days on newborn babies are seen to be effective. These interventions involve taking measures to prevent the ear shape from opening outward excessively. If auricular molding is started within the first few days following a baby’s birth and this application is continued for six months, quite successful results are seen to be obtained. If treatment is delayed during this highly important period, surgical intervention will definitely be necessary to correct the resulting condition.
What Is Aimed for in the Treatment of Prominent Ears?
The first goal to be achieved during the treatment of the prominent ear problem will be the elimination of the protruding and drooping portion of the upper part of the ear.
- Another goal is to ensure that the helix section is straight and has smooth borders.
- When viewed from the front, the helix sections of both ears should be visible alongside the antihelix section.
- During treatment, the aim is to reduce the sulcus located behind the ear without disrupting its structure.
- Especially in male patients, efforts are made to ensure that the ears are not too close to the skull.
- The position and contours of both ears should appear close to each other, but should not be exactly symmetrical.
- Once treatment is complete, the person’s facial expression should achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.