Prominent ears

Ears can have widely different appearances in different people. Often the ears of the same person are similar, but if there is a significant difference between the sides or if the ears are very prominent, this can be a personal concern. There may then be a wish to have the ears corrected cosmetically.

What are prominent ears?

Prominent ears are congenital and often hereditary. The condition is harmless and covers a wide range of different minor congenital malformations of the cartilage in the auricle. Most often both ears protrude, but cases can also be seen where only one ear protrudes – or cases where the ears protrude differently.

Causes of prominent ears

• In most cases, prominent ears are due to an underdevelopment of the fold at the front of the ear cartilage. This can cause the ear not to fold back far enough, but instead to protrude from the head. 

• Another cause can be an overdevelopment of the depth of the auricle, so that the cartilage bowl towards the ear canal is too deep, which causes the ear to stand disturbingly far out from the head – even if the fold is present. 

• In some cases, there is a combination of the above or a completely different hereditary malposition of the auricle.

Examination

It must always be assessed during a preliminary examination by the surgeon what options there are for prominent ear correction before a final recommendation and planning of surgical treatment can be given.

Treatment

The treatment is surgical and almost always takes place under general anaesthesia, but can be offered under local anaesthesia. 
It is advisable to wait with the operation until the auricle is fully developed, which is from around 10 years of age.  

Same doctor and rapid treatment

Regardless of whether the symptoms have arisen acutely or are of a longer-lasting nature, you should be seen by a consultant in ear, nose and throat (ENT). Our consultants are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, regardless of whether you are a private patient, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire pathway.