Microtia or ear loss after an accident: what are the options?
There are two main ways to restore an ear: surgical reconstruction, or a custom-made silicone ear prosthesis attached to the skin. Questions about hearing and whether surgery suits you are for your ENT or plastic surgeon to answer. If you would like to restore how your ear looks without surgery, a silicone ear moulded from your other ear is an option.
Two situations where people look into ear reconstruction
Microtia — an ear that did not fully develop before birth
Microtia is a congenital condition in which the outer ear does not develop fully. It usually affects one side and occasionally both. It is sometimes accompanied by hearing loss, in which case it is worth asking your doctors and local authorities whether you qualify for disability support.
Ear loss after a road accident or injury
Unlike microtia, where part of the outer ear often remains, an accident can take the whole ear. Here, too, the choice is between surgical and non-surgical routes.
Surgical reconstruction or a silicone ear: what is the difference?
| Surgical reconstruction | Silicone ear prosthesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Surgery that builds an ear shape from your own tissue, such as skin and fascia from behind the ear | Custom-made in silicone from a mould of your other ear, then attached with medical adhesive |
| Who decides | ENT and plastic surgeons | Silobionic’s clinical and fabrication team (medical questions go to your doctors) |
| Hearing | If hearing needs improving, discuss surgery with your doctors | Restores appearance; it does not affect hearing |
| Commitment | Surgery and recovery time | No surgery, so no surgical scars or recovery time |
Because the ear is a complex, curved 3D structure, shaping one surgically is known to be demanding. The method, timing and suitability of any surgery should always be decided with your own medical team.
Which route fits depends on your goal
- If you need better hearing — start by speaking to an ENT specialist about the options, including surgery.
- If your goal is appearance — a silicone ear prosthesis is worth considering.
- If surgery is on hold or feels like too much — decide on surgery with your doctors, and separately, ask us about a silicone ear to restore appearance.
How is a Silobionic silicone ear made?
It is made from the same medical-grade silicone as our hand and foot prostheses.
- Casting — we take a mould of your other ear to match its shape and size, so the two sides look symmetrical.
- Skin-tone measurement — your skin tone is measured digitally with E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK) and custom pigments are mixed from that reading.
- Attachment and care — the finished ear is attached with medical adhesive, and we show you how to apply it and look after it.
A silicone ear can wear with daily use. We provide after-sales support while you use it, and if a repair is not possible, we will guide you through a remake. Because we keep your production records, a remake does not start from scratch.
If you have been growing your hair long to cover the area, or found masks and glasses awkward to wear, tell us during your consultation. When you visit by appointment, you can see a range of our samples in person. Results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will a silicone ear improve my hearing?
No. A silicone ear prosthesis restores appearance and does not improve hearing. Please see an ENT specialist about hearing.
Is surgery or a silicone ear better?
It depends on your goals and situation. Your doctors decide whether surgery suits you; a silicone ear is an option if you want to restore appearance without surgery.
How is a silicone ear attached?
With medical adhesive. The right approach can depend on your skin, so we advise you during the consultation.
Can children have a silicone ear?
It depends on age and skin condition. Please speak to your child’s doctors, and we will then confirm what is possible at an in-person consultation.
