Low Set Ears & Pinna Abnormalities in Infants

Also known as: abnormality of the pinna.

What are low set ears and pinna abnormalities in infants?

The pinna is another term for the outer ear. When abnormalities occur with the shape or location of the ears when the baby is still growing in the womb, this may be the sign of certain medical conditions.

Causes of low set ears and pinna abnormalities in infants?

In some cases, pinna abnormalities and low-set ears may not be related to other conditions. However, they are also a sign of conditions such as:

• Down syndrome
• Turner syndrome
• Potter syndrome
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
• Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
• Treacher Collins syndrome
• Trisomy 13
• Trisomy 18

How are low set ears and pinna abnormalities in infants treated?

If your child has pinna abnormalities and/or low-set ears and has already been cleared of any associated medical conditions, then  available treatment is dependent on the type of difference in the pinna and age of the child.

When should you seek medical attention?

Most conditions related to pinna abnormalities and low-set ears are detected soon after the baby is born, and when available, treatment starts early.

If you are worried about potential low set ears in your child, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician near you.

This page was last updated on: January 09, 2025 03:10 PM