Skin/Ear Tags (Preauricular skin tag)
Skin tags are benign growths made up of skin, fat, or cartilage. They are usually found near the front of the ear or on the cheek. These tags form when the tissues forming the outer ear fuse incorrectly, causing additional structures to form.
Signs & Symptoms
- Typically discovered at birth
- Located near the front of the ear or on the cheek.
- Not usually painful, although hearing screening should be done to evaluate any hearing loss due to the growth.
Treatment
Surgical removal is recommended if the growth is interfering with hearing ability or for aesthetic purposes. Small, single growths may be removed at a regular office visit. Larger, more complex, or multiple growths may require general anesthetic to ensure your newborn’s comfort while the growths are removed, which would require a specialist.
Ear pits
Ear pits are tiny canals, normally near the front of the ear, caused by improper fusing of the outer ear. These pits are usually not an issue, but infections can occur. There is typically no impact on hearing or any other issues, but your doctor may recommend seeing an Otolaryngologist if frequent infections occur.
Signs & Symptoms
- Small opening in front of the front of the ear canal
- Rarely may be found under the ear canal toward the lobe
- Infection or abscesses can occur
- Redness
- Swelling
- Painful
- Fever
- Pus or drainage
- May turn into a cyst over time
- Lump where the opening was located
- Can also become infected
Treatment
Most of the time ear pits do not require any interventions unless there is an infection. If infections are frequent, a minor surgery to remove the pit may be recommended.
Middle ear infection (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are the most common childhood illness aside from colds. They are most common in children between the ages of 3 months to 3 years, with many children experiencing multiple cases in their lives.
Signs & Symptoms
- Fever (temperature above 101.1oF)
- Drainage from ear
- Ear pain, visible rubbing or tugging on ear, difficulty sleeping, or increased crying
- Difficulty hearing
Treatment
Treatment for middle ear infections will vary based on the frequency and severity of the infection. Your doctor may choose to treat your baby with an antibiotic or have you observe your child for several days to see if it resolves on its own.
- Antibiotics
- Pain-relieving medications
- Ask your doctor for correct guidance on how much and how often to give
- In severe or chronic cases, ear tubes may need to be placed to help fluids drain and protect the ear from a buildup of fluid pressure
Hearing problems
Hearing loss in babies can vary by causes and severity.Hearing problems can be present at birth or develop some time after, either naturally or from an exposure.
The three types of hearing problems are either from the nerve transmitting the sound to the brain, from the ear not conducting sounds to the inner ear properly, or a combination of the previous two.
Your doctor will check your baby’s hearing during wellness visits, where they can assess the hearing and look for any issues and their cause.
Signs & Symptoms
- Baby does not respond to sudden loud noises
- Does not respond to parent’s voice
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform routine hearing screenings on your child at wellness visits. If your doctor does find a deficiency, they may look for common causes, such as an ear infection or excessive wax.
If your doctor cannot diagnose or treat the cause, they will most likely refer you to a specialist who will perform their own tests.
Treatment
Treatment for hearing problems in your baby will vary based on the cause of the problem.
- If the problem is associated with an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed and then reassessed after the infection has resolved.
- If the problem is from other temporary issues like wax buildup, your doctor may treat the problem or refer you to a specialist.
Other treatments may include pediatric hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing systems. These treatments will not be performed on newborns, but will most likely be suggested after age 1.
