About bat ears

When a child has ears that stick out, they’re called bat ears or protruding ears.

Bat ears don’t usually affect your child’s hearing. The main issue is likely to be your child’s appearance, which might affect your child’s self-esteem, their body image in childhood or their body image in adolescence.

Medical help: when to get it for bat ears

If you’re concerned that your newborn has ears that stick out, or your child is older and is bothered or embarrassed because they have ears that stick out, talk with your GP or child and family health nurse. Your child might be referred to a paediatric plastic surgeon.

Treatment for bat ears

If your baby is under the age of 6 weeks, special ear moulds might be recommended. These moulds are used for several weeks and help the ears grow into position.

If your child is older, they can have simple surgery to make their ears look different. It’s important to involve your child in this decision, so it’s a good idea to wait until your child is old enough to talk with you about it. If you and your child decide to go ahead, surgery is usually done when children are school age.

A paediatric plastic surgeon usually does this surgery under general anaesthetic. There are different types of surgeries available. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you.