Q16: Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing

Q16.9: Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified

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.

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,

causing the respective part of the ear to be missing or have an altered shape. Ear deformities can lead to poorer hearing with the affected ear or no hearing at all.