Ear deformities are a relatively common occurrence in infants. Statistical data indicates that an infant ear deformity is present in 15 – 30% of newborns. For many years, the standard approach has been to “wait and see” if the child’s ears would self-correct. In part, this advice is given because there isn’t a safe, non-invasive way to treat infant ear deformities and infant otoplasty is rarely performed.
Many ear deformities do not self-correct. Traditional treatment for the correction of ear deformities is ear surgery, which cannot be performed until the child is 5 years old. Recent clinical studies have shown that another option, ear molding, can correct infant ear deformities without the need for surgery. Dr. Morin offers one such system, the EarWell™ Infant Ear Correction System, to his patients. He believes that all infants with an ear deformity should be assessed to determine whether ear molding is a viable option. The EarWell™ system provides the same results as infant ear surgery to NJ patients– without the need for actual surgery.
Once infants are around 6 weeks of age, maternal estrogen levels in the body begin to disappear. As a result, cartilage in the body becomes less pliable, and less willing to change shape. During the first few weeks after birth, however, it is possible to manipulate ear cartilage, using non-surgical techniques. Once the maternal estrogen is gone, however, future surgery becomes the only option to correct external ear deformities. This may lead to your child requiring some form of otoplasty, or ear reconstructive surgery, later in life. Dr. Morin performs otoplasty on many children with excellent results. While this is usually a successful option, it is more invasive than infant ear molding using the EarWell system and it cannot be performed until your child is approximately 7 years old.
Dr. Morin offers infant ear molding using the EarWell device in NJ to correct congenitally deformed ears with a high rate of success. This noninvasive procedure frequently gives parents a pain-free solution to their newborn’s deformed ears. The treatment safely manipulates the malleable ear cartilage and reshapes the natural curves and contours of infant ears. Several studies have demonstrated, however, that in order to be successful, infant ear molding must begin prior to 6 weeks of life.
EarWell ™ has been used to reshape thousands of infant’s ears. If you feel reluctant about having a plastic mold placed on your young newborn’s ears, we encourage you to consider the long-term consequences of ear deformities. Because early intervention with ear molding can prevent the need for newborn ear surgery, Dr. Morin strongly encourages new parents to consider this non-invasive option.
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Infant ear molding was performed on this 4 week old baby who was born with multiple congenital deformities involving his ears. A combination of devices and techniques, including the EarWell system, was used in order to correct the severe constricted ear deformity. Specifically, infant ear molding was used to correct the lower third of the ear rotational deformity, the contour irregularities involving the helical rim and the effacement of the antihelical fold. The result is a normal ear.
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Infant ear molding was performed on this 3 week old baby who was born with constricted lop ear deformities involving both of her ears. A combination of devices and techniques, including the EarWell system, was used in order to correct the deformed helical rim, antitragus and antihelical fold. The result is a normal ear.
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Infant ear molding was performed on this 3 week old baby who was born with multiple congenital deformities involving his ears. A combination of devices and techniques, including the EarWell system, was used in order to reduce the prominence, decrease the conchomastoid angle, contour the pointed helical rim and construct an antihelical fold. The result is a normal ear.
View GalleryChildren born with a newborn ear deformity are more likely to be victims of bullying, teasing, and taunting, which can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem that can last a lifetime. Once the bullying starts, many parents begin to think about ear surgery to improve the appearance of their child’s ears and, hopefully, put a stop to the taunting.
While ear surgery is relatively safe, it carries with it a certain level of risk and involves an uncomfortable recovery process. Individuals with ear deformities who do not undergo surgery as a child often request surgery when they are older. At this point, surgery can be even more painful and will require time off of work. Cosmetic ear surgery is also expensive and rarely covered by insurance companies.
The cartilage in a newborn’s ears is very flexible and pliable for the first 6 weeks of life due to increased levels of estrogen in the infant. During this brief period of time, the ear can be easily shaped into a more natural shape. The EarWell™ Infant Ear Correction System takes advantage of this phenomenon. This plastic device is fitted around the infant’s ear within the first 6 weeks of life and holds the ear in a more typical shape and position as the cartilage hardens over the next several weeks.
During clinical studies, EarWell™ was successful in reshaping infants’ ears and maintaining their new shape in more than 90% of cases. It is a non-invasive solution that negates the need for newborn otoplasty or ear surgery later on. The EarWell™ system does not appear to cause any pain or discomfort to the infant while it is being worn. It requires continuous use, but the entire treatment takes only 6 – 8 weeks.
We encourage anyone who is considering EarWell™ to make an appointment with Dr. Morin immediately, as the window of opportunity for using the device passes very quickly. Dr. Morin will take the time to discuss your concerns and help you decide if EarWell™ is the right choice for your family. Consultations for EarWell™ can be performed at our New Jersey, Hackensack office – please contact us today to set up your appointment.
EarWell infant ear molding allows New Jersey patients a painless and noninvasive way to correct infant ears that are deformed. The treatment does not impact your newborn’s sleep schedule, ability to breastfeed, or hearing. The EarWell device is perforated, clear and easy to keep clean. Just be careful not to get the mold wet, as it affixed to your newborn’s skin with a safe adhesive.
The EarWell infant ear shaping system gently and comfortably reshapes your newborn’s ears over a six week period. Board-certified NJ EarWell provider, Dr. Morin will see you and your newborn once a week during this period in order to clean the ear, maintain the device and make many adjustments to the pressure applied to specific parts of your newborn’s ear in order to increase the likelihood of a successful result. Dr. Morin is incredibly detail oriented and he takes the time necessary to meticulously mold each infant’s ear cartilage in a manner specific to that infant’s individual ear deformity. No two deformities are exactly alike, therefore, many different techniques and many different custom fabricated inserts are used in order to expertly reshape congenitally deformed ears during this 6 week process.
Extremely minor ear defects may improve over time, however, there is no guarantee. Usually, significant contour deformities that involve the outer ear’s shape are permanent if not correctly early in life. Many children are therefore forced to live with misshapen ears and too often the result is embarrassment and bullying. Fortunately, the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System can non-surgically reshape congenital ear defects, when treatment is started within the first few weeks of life.
Infant ear molding of congenital external ear deformities using the EarWell device is a medically necessary procedure that should be a covered service under your medical insurance plan. The correction of congenital external ear deformities falls under the American Medical Association’s definition of a reconstructive procedure because it is performed on an abnormal structure of the body, caused by a congenital developmental abnormality, in order to create a normal structure. As a result, EarWell infant ear molding should not be considered a cosmetic procedure. However, insurance plans vary widely, therefore you should contact Dr. Morin’s office in order to determine if your infant’s EarWell molding treatment is eligible for insurance coverage.
The EarWell System offers NJ families the best results when your baby is under six weeks old. After this period, there is a greater chance of the infant ear correction system not working optimally due to the cartilage in the ear becoming firmer. New Jersey parents who choose EarWell infant ear correction for their babies, find that the risks are few, but may include the following
Combining years of education, extensive experience and focused dedication, Dr. Morin proudly offers the EarWell Infant Ear Molding System to NJ parents looking to correct their infant’s outer ear deformities non-surgically. With a background as a Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgeon and the President of the Developing Faces 501(c)3 charity that organizes surgical missions to treat infants, and children with facial abnormalities living in developing countries around the world, Dr. Morin is passionate about helping children live the best life possible. He maintains excellent patient care and bedside manner, taking the time to comfort both infant and parent to make your visit as relaxing as possible. Contact Dr. Morin today to schedule your EarWell infant ear correction consultation.
Ready to start looking your best? We offer virtual and in-office consultations.
