Will an otoplasty improve my hearing?

I know that an otoplasty will make the ears look better, but does this also help improve hearing?

Sort: Date | Helpful
11 answers to “Will an otoplasty improve my hearing?”

A: What did you say? Otoplasty to improve hearing?

Michael A. Persky, MD

No, otoplasty does not help improve hearing. In some severe cases, the cartilage of the external ear may impinge upon the ear canal, but I have never seen or heard of a complete blockage that otoplasty corrected.

A: A true otoplasty will not effect your hearing. Otoplasty...

D.J. Verret, MD

A true otoplasty will not effect your hearing. Otoplasty refers to the cosmetic changing of the external ear that you can see. If you should have a blockage of the ear canal then a surgery can be performed to open the ear canal which could improve your hearing - but this operation is not an otoplasty.

A: An otoplasty won't improve hearing. But let's make sure...

David C. Pearson, MD

An otoplasty won't improve hearing. But let's make sure we're talking about the right operation: Otoplasty is an operation to improve the appearance of prominent ears. Auricular reconstruction is an operation for correcting microtia, a condition where the ear is congenitally absent or underdeveloped. This... more

A: Otoplasties don't improve hearing

Richard P. Rand, MD

An otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your ears. Typically it is done for ears that protrude too far from the head. This would have no bearing on hearing.

A: Improving Projecting Ears

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Otoplasty is performed for a normal developmental variant known as prominent ears.  President Obama has them and there is no association with hearing problems. If you do have hearing problems, this may be due to other causes and should be addressed separately. Prominent ears are best corrected by a board... more

A: Otoplasty should not impact your hearing to a great degree

Philip Young, MD

The shape of the ears is supposed to enhance your hearing. You may notice some very minimal improvement but the research on this is minimal.  There are times when you setback the ear that can cause the cartilage to impinge the ear canal and this can actually worsen your hearing to a degree. ... more

A: Does ear surgery (otoplasty) help hearing?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Usually no...performing surgery to improve ear aesthetics will most likely not help hearing.  However, if significant reconstruction is done on the uppermost portion of the ear then sounds may travel to the eardrum better. more

A: Otoplasty will not improve hearing

Corey S. Maas, MD

Otoplasty corrects the external ear's position and will not improve your hearing. Certain conductive hearing losses (ie otosclerosis, tympanic membrane perforation, exostoses, etc) can be treated with otologic surgical procedures but otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery and won't address hearing defects.

A: Otoplasty and hearing

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otoplasty works essential on the otuter portion of the ear whereas the middle and internal portions of teh ear effect hearing. So, in general, ear  surgery may result does not effect heaing acuty.

A: Otoplasty will not improve hearing.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

An otoplasty is a totally aesthetic procedure that has no effect of function.  It can be very simple or more complicated depending on what the anatomy of the ear is.  It is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia in children.  In adults, it can be done under local although a... more

More answers to Will an otoplasty improve my hearing?
Memphis - Otoplasty (Ear pinning) will NOT improve Hearing

Community Discussions

Q&A Forum about "Will an otoplasty improve my hearing?"
DiscussionReplies

Be the first to start a discussion

Ear surgery: 7 reviews

86% said it was worth it

Ear surgery before & after photos

Ear surgery cost near you Ear surgery cost map



Ear surgery: was it worth it?
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.