Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2020 Oct;57(10):1230-1237. doi: 10.1177/1055665620931611. Epub 2020 Jul 9.
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.
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.
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.
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.
小耳畸形是一种医学上复杂的病症，可以选择手术来解决听力问题并重建耳朵。本研究探讨了成年人对小耳畸形的体验，特别关注其对社交心理的影响和耳部重建的体验。最终目标是确定支持和未来研究的领域，以改善患者的护理。
15 名年龄在 20 至 62 岁之间的成年人（12 名女性）参加了半结构式访谈。访谈进行了录音，并逐字转录，然后使用归纳主题分析进行分析。
在数据中确定了三个主要主题：作为无形差异的小耳畸形、作为受欢迎机会的手术，以及小耳畸形的良好生活。参与者已将小耳畸形融入自我概念中，生活并未受到持久的负面影响。但是，也报告了一些社交心理方面的挑战，包括对露出耳朵的焦虑（即使在重建后）、向恋爱伴侣透露诊断、手术决策，以及在工作环境中感到缺乏支持。
小耳畸形患者可能受益于社交心理干预，以提高自信心、获得治疗决策支持，并指导他们向雇主披露小耳畸形。
