DOES THE EARWELL WORK?
The EarWell Infant Ear Correction System is a non-surgical, painless, FDA-approved device used to reshape infant ear deformities (folded, protruding, or constricted ears). More than 600,000 infants have been helped by the EarlWell system, and clinical testing shows a 98%+ success rate when treatment is started before three weeks of age. Iowa ENT Center in West Des Moines is a leading provider of the EarWell system in Iowa.
Why is the EarWell used?
Each year, more than 1.2 million children in the U.S. are born with ear deformities. In fact, ear abnormalities, such as prominent or misfolded ears, are the most common newborn deformities.
In the past, families often hoped children would “outgrow” ear deformities. However, that outcome is unpredictable, and some children never outgrow these deformities. Until the introduction of the EarWell system, the only treatment was corrective surgery, which typically couldn’t be performed until the child had reached the age of five.
The EarWell system provides a highly effective treatment that can be performed within days after birth. The procedure is:
- Non-surgical
- Painless
- Typically covered by insurance
How does the EarWell reshape babies' ears?
The EarWell is a custom-fitted, plastic molding device that reshapes the cartilage of the ear. It's placed over the ear during an office visit. This takes about 20 minutes. Because the procedure is painless, no sedation or anesthesia is needed. The EarWell is worn for about four to six weeks. During this time, the ear is transformed into a natural shape.
At what age can the EarWell be used?
Please be aware that there's a brief window of time in a newborn's life during which this device can be applied. Clinical data suggests the highest success rates (98% or higher) when EarWell treatment is started before three weeks of age—with potentially higher success rates (and a much shorter duration of treatment) when the device is applied in the newborn nursery at or before two days of age.
Looking for an EarWell doctor?
If you have any suspicions that your infant may need ear correction, please contact us at 515-223-4368 as soon as possible. Iowa ENT Center’s Dr. Eytan Young is the most experienced physician in the state of Iowa at using the EarWell system.
