Q16: Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
Q16.0: Congenital absence of (ear) auricle
The ear is a sensory organ that is used to hear and to maintain one’s balance. There are 3 different areas in the ear: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The outer ear begins at the auricle and then becomes the external auricular canal. The end of the external auricular canal is sealed by a thin membrane. This membrane is known as the eardrum.
While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. A child’s development in the womb being disrupted can cause malformations. In the case of certain maternal or child illnesses, the outer ear may not be established,
causing it to be absent or not fully formed. Ear deformities can lead to poorer hearing with the affected ear or no hearing at all.
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