Exploring the experiences of adults with microtia: A qualitative study

Hamlet, Claire; Harcourt, Diana

Abstract

Objective: Microtia is a medically complex condition, with the option of surgery to address hearing and reconstruct the ear. The current study explored adults’ experiences of microtia, with a particular focus on the psychosocial impact and experiences of ear reconstruction. The ultimate aim was to identify areas for support and future research that could improve patient care. Design: Fifteen adults (12 females) aged between 20 and 62 years took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified in the data: microtia as an invisible difference, surgery as a welcome opportunity, and living well with microtia. Participants had incorporated microtia into their self-concept and did not report a lasting negative impact on their lives. However, some psychosocial challenges were reported, including anxiety about showing their ears (even after reconstruction), disclosing their diagnosis to romantic partners, surgical decision-making, and feeling unsupported in the work environment. Conclusion: Individuals with microtia may benefit from psychosocial interventions to increase confidence, access to support for treatment decision-making, and guidance around disclosing microtia to employers.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 22, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jul 9, 2020
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 9, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 11, 2020
• Journal: The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal
• Print ISSN: 1055-6656
• Electronic ISSN: 1545-1569
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 57
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1230-1237
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665620931611
• Keywords: microtia, hemifacial microsomia, ear reconstruction, psychosocial, quality of life, support
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6641941