Low-set ears

Low-set ears
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Ears positioned lower on the head than usual
Complications
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic disorders, syndromic conditions
Risks
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Genetic testing
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis	Depends on underlying condition
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Low-set ears are a clinical feature where the ears are positioned lower on the head than typical. This can be a normal variation in human anatomy, but it can also be associated with certain genetic conditions or syndromes.

Definition

Low-set ears are defined as ears whose superior attachment point is below an imaginary horizontal line drawn between the inner canthi of the eye (the most medial point of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet).

Causes

Low-set ears can be a normal variant in human anatomy. However, they can also be associated with certain genetic conditions or syndromes. These include:

• Down Syndrome
• Turner Syndrome
• Trisomy 18
• Trisomy 13
• Cri du Chat Syndrome
• Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of low-set ears can be made by a physical examination. The doctor will look at the position of the ears in relation to the eyes and the rest of the face. If the ears are positioned lower than the inner canthi of the eye, they are considered low-set.

Treatment

Treatment for low-set ears is not typically necessary unless they are associated with a genetic condition or syndrome. In these cases, treatment will focus on managing the underlying condition.

See also

• Ear
• Genetic disorders
• Syndromes