Microtia and Atresia Support Centre

Microtia and atresia are lesser known congenital birth defects that can impact on a child’s hearing. Hear and Say are microtia and atresia experts and have a range of support services children and their families.

Hear and Say established the Australian Microtia and Atresia Support Centre and have a microtia and atresia program.

Established in 2008, the Australian Microtia and Atresia Support Centre is one of a kind in Australia, bringing together experts and families through support, education and research.

Hear and Say also hosts the only annual Australian Microtia and Atresia Conference at our Brisbane centre. World leaders and experts in the field come together for a weekend of workshops, conferences and consultations to support and educate both parents and professionals.

2019 Microtia and Atresia Conference – Brisbane 

2019 Microtia and Atresia Mini Conference – Sydney 

To contact the Australian Support Centre call (07) 3850 2111 or email microtia.atresia@hearandsay.com.au

Participate in our microtia and atresia research projects

Definitions of Microtia and Atresia

Microtia

This congenital disorder occurs in one in 6,000 births world-wide. It causes a deformity of one or both ears in which the outer ear is underdeveloped or absent. Microtia is almost always accompanied by atresia because the baby’s outer ear and the ear canal develop together during pregnancy.

Atresia

Atresia is the absence of an external ear canal and, in many instances the ear drum and ear bones can also be affected. This means that as there is no canal for sound to travel through, these children are born with a conductive hearing loss.