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Microtia Ear and Hearing

Depending on the severity of the microtia ear, hearing may or may not be affected. However, since the most common form is grade 3, which involves a lack of components of the middle ear including an ear canal and ear drum, hearing is commonly affected. These patients will generally have no hearing on the affected side but completely normal hearing in the normal ear.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Patients who lack an ear canal may also have other structural abnormalities of the middle ear including a lack of an eardrum and the small middle ear bones. These small bones conduct hearing through the middle ear. The hearing loss associated with microtia is generally what is known as conductive hearing loss. That is hearing loss that is caused by an insufficient conduction of sound to the inner ear. This can be corrected with surgery for most microtia ear patients unless there is also a malformation of the inner ear or cochlea.

Microtia Ear and Hearing - before surgery and after surgery

Repairing the Inner Ear

In most cases as long as the inner ear is present surgery (see Atresia and Microtia) can correct the deficiencies in the middle ear. Surgically correcting the outer ear with the rib graft technique creates the “cupping” effect for sound to travel to the middle ear.

Using Rib Cartilage Graft Reconstruction technique, it is recommended that patient complete the four step surgical process of outer ear reconstruction prior to having the surgery to correct middle ear issues. Once the outer ear reconstruction is complete, patients can have surgery to remedy the issues involving the middle ear and hearing can be restored in the affected ear.

If the inner ear or cochlear is not present, this is what is known as sensorineural hearing loss. If hearing loss is severe or profound, these patients may be good candidates for cochlear implants or a bone anchoring hearing aid (BAHA) to restore partial hearing.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones.

Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.

Our Patient Reviews

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Based on 19 reviews

Kizma Hampton

Dr. Jones is the BEST!!! The staff is also great too. They are always friendly and welcoming. I am so happy that I chose him. I had liposuction and a tummy tuck done. I am amazed at my new body. I chose him because of his experience and he is the best plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Ga. My surgery experience was great I love the no drain technique that he does. I feel confident and beautiful. And my new look is wonderful and I couldn't be happier. And it feels great to get compliments from my family and friends because they love my new look as well!!!

Anne Jones

Why did I look sad when I was not? When I saw my “normal” facial expression in the mirror, it just looked worn out. I did not like it for I did not feel like that on the inside! Dr. Jones changed it! After Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones did my eye lid surgery, I feel great about seeing myself in the mirror again. None of that loopy, tired look anymore! My only regret: I should have done this earlier. Creams do nothing to remove the wrinkles and the sagging eyelids that accompany getting into my late 40s. I feel refreshed in the face, and it affects my inside every time I look in the mirror or see a photo of myself. Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones did a fabulous job. He did not go overboard, he did it just right. He had the expert touch from the beginning to the end. Trusting my doctor is most important to me, and if I do this surgery again in ten years, I will just let him decide what can be done to achieve a more refreshed, happier look. It pays to let experience bear. It is my face. No scars. No sagging eyelids. Even the wrinkles around my eyes went away. Thank you, Dr. Jones and your wonderful staff.

Deidre Bagley

The BEST decision I have ever made! Dr. Jones' bedside manner is remarkable, his staff is caring and made me feel individualized. I didn't want a factory line breast augmentation, so I researched surgeons and Jones stood out above the rest due to his expertise, study, knowledge, and specialized techniques. And that is what I wanted when I came to my body. My desired results were achieved with my health being priority. Surgery and recovery went without a hitch. Friends and family, some who have had the same procedure themselves, call his work exceptional!!

Bruce Moyer

First I want to say what a great group of assistants Dr.Jones has working for him. They are professional, efficient and organized. All of them are nice and will work closely with your schedule. As for Dr. Mark Jones you can find a better doctor he is "Magical" when it comes to surgery. I'm in my third stage of microtia and every surgery he's calm and reassuring that everything will turn out. He does what he says he going to do, and accurate on what the turnout will be. If I had to go through this again I wouldn't go to anyone else. Thank you Dr. Mark Jones.

Natalie Kramer

Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones is an incredible doctor! Not only is he highly credible with extensive knowledge in the field, he has great bedside manner. He and his staff made me feel calm and prepared for my surgery and answered all questions I had. I am so happy I chose Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialist to fix my nose, they did an incredible job and I have never felt better or more confident.

Celeste Temple

As a patient it's a fantastic experience. I'm so thrilled with my results and recovery was a breeze. I feel that his technique and his kind nature sets him apart from other surgeons. The outcome exceeded my expectations. As an employee I'm beyond grateful to be able to work for such a considerate, experienced physician.

Deigh Frost

My experience with Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists was really great. I liked Dr. Jones from the minute I met him. He answered all my questions and took any time necessary to explain everything to me about surgery options. He is friendly and professional and he and his staff made me feel at ease immediately. Surgery was a success and I am thrilled. I would recommend Dr. Mark Jones and his staff to anyone.

Amanda Sweeney

Working with Dr. Jones is truly a pleasure. It is a noticeable difference how much he cares for each individual patient, taking time to listen to their questions, concerns, and goals. His experience is unmatched and he helps each patient create a treatment plan that matches their desired outcomes.