Unfortunately, we do not know which ear deformities will correct by themselves and which will require surgical treatment later in life. For this reason, it's important to discuss early nonsurgical ear molding with your child's physician.

Can a deformed ear be fixed?

Options range from noninvasive ear molding to correct the shape of a malformed ear to surgery, typically not recommended until a child reaches school age. At the right time, however, surgical treatments can reshape and even entirely reconstruct abnormal ears, and in some cases, help restore hearing.

Does ear lidding correct itself?

This can vary in severity and may improve slightly in the first week after birth. However, once the newborn is about 7-10 days old, the ear will maintain this shape unless it is molded.