Microtia is a congenital birth defect that occurs when one or both of a child’s ears are missing or do not fully develop. This condition is often accompanied by underdevelopment or absence of ear canals—a condition known as Aural Atresia, which can result in hearing loss.

It has been estimated that 1 in 9,000 children born in the world will be born with microtia. To raise awareness about this birth defect and to garner support for people with this condition, Microtia Awareness Day was created. This day is observed on November 9^th and encourages everyone to not only learn more about this condition but also to be supportive of those who have it.

The History of Microtia Awareness Day

This day was first created by the Ear Community—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers a supportive community for people born with Microtia and/or Atresia. This organization also helps individuals who have Goldenhar Syndrome and Craniofacial Microsomia.

Facts About Microtia

Below are some of the facts that we’ve learned during our research on Microtia and Microtia Awareness Day.

• Anotia is when the external ear is completely missing.
• Microtia occurs when the external ear is not properly formed and is small.
• In the United States, it’s estimated that 6,000 children are born with microtia every year.
• In the U.S., there are approximately 54,000+ people currently living with microtia.
• In the U.K., approximately 7,000 people are living with microtia.
• There are four grades of microtia—from Grade I (smaller than a normal ear) to Grade IV (absence of the complete ear).

Observing Microtia Awareness Day

Through this nationally recognized awareness day, organizations and individuals can come together for more information on Microtia or to seek support. On this day, educators inform their students about this awareness day, and many hearing specialists give seminars. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #MicrotiaAwarenessDay on their social media accounts.