Constricted Ear Types
Constricted ear specifically refers to ears that exhibit varying degrees of missing skin and cartilage between the helical rim and scapha. The ears are smaller than normal, fit the Tanzer II classification and are true malformations. Infant ear molding has traditionally been restricted to correcting true deformities (misshapen ears but with no missing skin and cartilage). EarWell™ now provides a painless, non-surgical alternative to the complex surgeries typically required for the constricted-ear malformations.
The keys to diagnosing the constricted-ear malformation:
- Ear is smaller than a normal ear
- Helical rim appears unified with the antihelix
- Scapha (area between helical rim and antihelix) is missing or diminished in size
- Lidding of superior helical rim
- Helical rim is overly resistant to being pulled into a normal shape and position
- “Purse string” effect of helical rim around outer perimeter of ear
- Constricted conchal bowl