Offer the InfantEar™ Molding To Your Patients
Ear molding with InfantEar™, our safe, non-surgical ear correction system, can be performed in your medical office.
If treatment is initiated within the first two weeks of life, 2-3 weeks of therapy with the InfantEar™ System can dramatically and permanently improve your patient’s outer ear appearance and function.
How does ear molding work?
Infant ears have high levels of maternal estrogen, which crossed from mother to baby while in the womb and during the birthing process. Because of the increased estrogen levels, infant ears are very moldable, soft and responsive to external molding during the first few weeks after birth. By 6 weeks of age, these levels of maternal estrogen fall to normal, and the ears become more rigid and less pliable. This is why early intervention is so important.
Physicians have known for years that certain ear deformities, if recognized and treated early in life by non-surgical molding, can be substantially improved or corrected preventing the need for costly, painful, and inconvenient surgery later in life. The InfantEar™ System is an effective, easy to use, attractive, and cost effective system giving consistent and reproducible correction to a broad range of ear deformities.
Long Term Benefits of Ear Molding
Though some ear deformities may self correct, it is unpredictable which ones will resolve on their own, and which ones will not. There is an associated psychological and emotional stigma associated with deformed ears that can remain through adulthood. In addition, treatment earlier in the infant’s life results in improved outcomes and potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery later in life. It is also recognized that a normal ear shape is critical to spatial hearing, the ability to determine the direction from which a sound is coming.
6-Step Application Process
If you have determined that your patient is a candidate for the InfantEar™ System, the application of the device is simple and easily performed in your office setting. In most cases, earmolding with the InfantEar device is for two to three weeks. After initial molding, your baby’s ear will be examined and if the ideal correction has not yet been achieved, a new device may be applied. This process is repeated every two weeks until acceptable improvement or correction is seen.
Most ears, if treated early, respond to ear molding to improve the shape of the ear. In general, the younger your child is when treatment for ear deformities is started, the shorter the duration of therapy. However, children a few months of age have been treated successfully with non-surgical ear molding as well.
Little is required after the device is applied. However, we recommend that you avoid getting the device wet when bathing or feeding your baby. Sponge baths around the earmold are recommended. You may feed your baby normally, but avoid breast milk or formula from dripping under the device. Moisture under the earmold can cause the device to loosen or cause irritation similar to a diaper rash. If this occurs, consult your physician.
After two to three weeks, you will remove the device by gently lifting it off the skin and ear. An adhesive remover may aid in this process. Substantial improvement will be seen at this stage though some irregularities may persist. Depending upon the age of the child and the deformity, application of a second device may then be advised.
A small amount of hair will be shaved from the scalp around the ear and and the skin will be cleaned of any oils and patted dry.
The 2-sided Base Plate, made of Velcro and an adhesive (approved for use in children), will be applied. The clinician may outline its position with a marking pen prior to removing the protective adhesive backing. The tab will be removed and Base Plate adhered to the skin.
An InfantEar Cap is applied as is an infant Beanie, which will help protect the device from dislodgment.
A small amount of hair will be shaved from the scalp around the ear and and the skin will be cleaned of any oils and patted dry.