Adult microtia

[Guest guest]

Well hello everyone, I have always wanted to discuss with others

regarding this condition. I am 32 and have classic unilateral

microtia (left ear). Are there any adults here with it? I would

really like to know.

My parents investigated surgery when I was a small child, and they

decided to wait until I could choose. As a pre-teen, I decided not

to. By High School, I started to wear short hair, and really not

worry about it too much.

Here are my reasons for not getting surgery:

1.) I was used to my ear, and thought a normal one would be more

unnatural than anything else

2.) At the time, reconstructs and prosthetics (to me), looked worse

than my ear.

Here are the reasons I still may:

1.) As a music lover, would I truly get to hear in stereo?

2.) I still feel uncomfortable when people point and whisper (I wish

they would just ask)- Improved self-image.

3.) I think my professional life would be better (less

discrimination).

I reflect on my life, and as a 32 year old adult, really wonder if

changing how my body would truly be worthwhile., I am " good looking " ,

have a great wife, and a 3 year old daughter. At the moment, I was a

victim of downsizing, and am unemployed, but I have a great set of

professional credentials. (I always wonder how my ear effects

potential employers on interviews, so I sit " just right " to avoid

them catching it)

Yes I was teased, yes I didnt get the " really pretty " girls (should I

be glad?), never was I a member of the elite cliques in high

school,yes I probably have been passed up for job offers and

promotions somewhere along the line. However, I rarely felt as

though I was a cast out, and made and maintained several friends

along the way.

I have what seems odd to people when they know about my ear: I am

musically talented- I sing with almost perfect pitch! Is that because

I feel and hear notes differently than most people, and, If I had

surgery, would that screw up my ability?

On the lighter side, I do joke about my ear from time to time, Like

when I tell people my high school principal went to grab me by the

left ear..., the VanGoh jokes, etc.

Also, does anyone hear about advances in stem cell research? I know

they grew an ear on a lab rat's back...

I look forward to learning and sharing with all of you, and hope to

bring some value to the group..please feel free to contact me.

Tom