Building Your Child's Multidisciplinary Care Team

Think of yourself as the “CEO” of your child’s medical care. You are not just a patient; you are hiring a team of experts to help your child reach their full potential. Because microtia affects both the appearance of the ear and the ability to hear, it requires a multidisciplinary approach—a team of specialists from different fields working together toward a single goal ^[1][2].

The Care Team Roster

A complete “Ear Team” typically includes the following specialists:

• Pediatric Otolaryngologist (ENT): A surgeon who focuses on the health of the ear and hearing restoration. They will manage things like ear canal surgery (atresiaplasty) or bone-anchored hearing implants ^[1][3].
• Pediatric Audiologist: The expert in hearing tests and hearing technology. They will perform the ABR tests and help fit your child for a softband or other hearing devices ^[3][4].
• Reconstructive Surgeon: Usually a Plastic Surgeon or an ENT specialized in “facial plastics.” They are the experts in building the outer ear using rib cartilage or synthetic materials ^[1][5].
• Geneticist: A doctor who helps determine if your child’s microtia is isolated or part of a larger syndrome. They look for clues in your family history and physical features ^[6][7].
• Anaplastologist: If you choose a prosthetic ear rather than surgery, this specialist is the artist who will custom-create and color-match the silicone ear ^[3].
• Care Coordinator: Often a nurse or social worker, this person helps schedule multiple appointments on the same day and manages the complex logistics of your child’s care ^[2].

Preparing for the First Visit

To make the most of your first consultation, you should bring a “medical briefcase” for your child. Having these documents ready allows the doctors to spend more time talking with you and less time hunting for records.

1. Audiology Records: Most importantly, the results of the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test ^[8][3].
2. Imaging: If your child has already had a CT scan or a renal (kidney) ultrasound, bring the actual images on a CD or digital drive, not just the written report ^[9][6].
3. Photos: Clear photos of your child’s ear from several angles (front, side, and behind) can be very helpful if you are doing a virtual initial consultation.
4. A List of Questions: Don’t rely on your memory in a high-stress meeting. Use the questions provided at the top of this page to guide the conversation.

How to Vet Your Specialists

Ear reconstruction is a highly specialized skill with a steep “learning curve” ^[10]. You want a surgeon who does this frequently, not just occasionally. A high-volume center is often defined by surgeons who perform at least 15–20 microtia reconstructions per year ^[11].

Do not be afraid to ask direct questions about their experience. A confident, expert surgeon will welcome your engagement and be open about their outcomes and complications ^[12][13]. Ask how they coordinate with the other members of the team—ideally, the ENT and Plastic Surgeon should be talking to each other to ensure the placement of the new ear doesn’t interfere with the best placement for a hearing device ^[2][14].

You are looking for a team that not only has the technical skill but also the “bedside manner” to support your family for the next 10 to 15 years ^[15]. You can read more about this long-term perspective in What to Expect.