In the first weeks after birth a baby's ear cartilage is still soft, under the influence of the mother's hormones, and can be reshaped without surgery. EarWell is a small moulding system that fits over the ear and holds it in the corrected position while the cartilage firms up — which is why it has to be started early, ideally within the first 14 days.
EarWell was developed in the USA in 2011 by craniofacial plastic surgeon Dr H. Steven Byrd with Becon Medical; the system used in India is manufactured by MediTEC Devices. Dr Vybhav Deraje offers it in Bangalore through The Head Shape Clinic. Started in time, it avoids a later operation for most babies; once the window has passed, the same deformities are corrected surgically by Otoplasty from about 5–6 years of age.
Ear Deformities EarWell Can Correct
- Prominent or 'bat' ears
- Cup ear and cryptotia (an upper ear partly buried under the scalp skin)
- Stahl ear (an extra fold giving a pointed upper ear)
- Folded or lidded ears (the top of the ear folded over)
Most ear deformities arise in the upper third of the ear during fetal development; some are due to position in the womb and others, such as Prominent Ears, run in families. Missing or very small ears (Microtia) are a different problem — see Ear Reconstruction.
Why the First 14 Days Matter
Correction rates of 93–95% are reported when EarWell is started within the first 14 days of birth. After that the cartilage stiffens week by week and moulding becomes progressively less effective. If your newborn's ear looks folded, cupped or very prominent, ask for an assessment in the first week rather than waiting to see whether it settles.
What Treatment Involves
- The device is fitted at the clinic; no anaesthesia and no cuts — the baby may cry from the handling but the fitting is not painful
- Worn continuously for 4 to 6 weeks; it does not interfere with sleep or feeding
- 2 to 3 short visits for cleaning and minor adjustments
- The clinician cleans and replaces the device if it becomes wet or soggy
Side Effects
Mild skin irritation, sweat rash and redness under the device are the usual issues and settle with cleaning and adjustment. There is no scarring.
If the Window Has Passed
Beyond the first few weeks, moulding no longer works and the ear shape is addressed surgically. Prominent Ears, Stahl ear and similar shape deformities are corrected by Otoplasty as a day-care procedure, usually from 5–6 years of age once the ear is close to adult size.
Watch Dr Vybhav Explain
More on YouTube: The Head Shape Clinic
Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should EarWell be applied?
Within the first 14 days of birth — the earlier the better, while the ear cartilage is still soft enough to mould.
How long does EarWell take to correct the ear?
4 to 6 weeks of continuous wear, with 2 to 3 visits for cleaning or minor adjustments.
Is EarWell painful for the baby?
No. There are no cuts and no anaesthesia. The baby may cry during fitting from the handling, and the device does not interfere with sleep or feeding.
Which ear deformities can EarWell treat?
Prominent (bat) ears, cup ear and cryptotia, Stahl ear and folded ears. It does not treat Microtia, where the ear is missing or very small — that needs Ear Reconstruction.
What are the side effects of EarWell?
Mild skin irritation, sweat rash and redness under the device, which settle with cleaning and adjustment. There is no scarring.
My baby is older than two weeks — is it too late?
Moulding becomes less effective week by week after birth; have the ear assessed promptly rather than waiting. If the window has passed, the deformity can be corrected later by Otoplasty, usually from about 5–6 years.
Where is EarWell available in Bangalore?
Through The Head Shape Clinic, Dr Vybhav Deraje's clinic at Docube Clinic, Koramangala, Bangalore.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.