HOW IT WORKS
InfantEar™ is a Safe, Non-Surgical Ear Correction System
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?
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.
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.
The InfantEar™ System works by maintainting the ear in a more natural shape until the baby’s estrogen levels return to normal. The device is then removed; typically after 2-3 weeks of treatment.
Dr. Scott Bartlett, MD, FACS
Our Inventor & Founder
Dr. Scott Bartlett, MD, FACS
Dr Scott Bartlett, the former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at CHOP, brings decades of clinical experience and research on infant ear anomalies, created TalexMedical, LLC to develop and bring to market InfantEar™ Non-surgical Ear Molding System – an innovative solution for the early treatment of newborn ear deformities.
Developed in 2015 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, our technology is a simple yet effective solution in the treatment of congenital ear deformities.
Dr. Bartless has been named the 2023 Clinician of the Year by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
Long Term Benefits Of Ear Deformity And Correction
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.
More Details About InfantEar Correction 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.
Frequent Questions
Will this ear mold hurt my child?
Ear molding does not hurt your child. The device is made of soft, moldable materials designed for minimal irritation and no pain.
How long will the device remain on my baby?
The InfantEar molding device will stay on your child for 2-3 weeks if started in the first two weeks of life.
Will insurance cover this?
In most instances yes, insurance will cover this procedure, but you need to check with your individual insurance carrier to determine if they will cover this expense.
