Microtia means small ear. It is a congenital abnormality which causes problems with the formation of the ear tissue. Children born with microtia can have varying degrees of ear malformations. In some children, a small portion of tissue is seen where the ear would normally be found. In others, the ear lobe or hollow of the ear, may be partly formed with the rest of the ear tissue missing. The most severe form of the condition leaves almost no ear tissue visible.

Although thought to be a genetic problem, the exact causes of microtia and its means of prevention are as yet unknown. The condition occurs in approximately 1 in every 8,000 births. In about 80% of cases, microtia affects only one ear, usually the right. Microtia also tends to affect boys slightly more that girls. A small number of patients may also experience some degree of hearing loss. In rare cases, microtia may occur with other congenital abnormalities.