Pediatric Prosthetics
Our Pediatric Prostheses are Tailored to Accommodate the Special Needs of Our Growing Patients
Artificial Ear Fitting Process for Children
If you have child that was born with an ear that did not fully form, mostly known as Microtia, you may want to consider having a Custom Prosthesis made. At Center for Custom Prosthetics, we are committed to providing our patients with high-quality, prosthetics. We can create both partial and complete Ear Prosthetics, depending on the needs.
The Prosthetic Ear process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial evaluation to discuss your goals
- Creating a prosthetic prototype
- Creating an impression of the ear
- Creating a final silicone prosthetic
Understanding Microtia
Microtia means “small ear” and occurs in approximately 1:6000-12,000 births. Microtia is congenital (at birth) and can affect one or both ears. Any child born with Microtia should be evaluated at a Craniofacial Center to rule out other conditions like Hemi-Facial Microsomia or Treacher Collins Syndrome.
Currently, no specific gene has been identified to cause this condition. Several medications have been associated with Microtia, but this is hard to prove. One hypothesis is that a small blood vessel (stapedial artery) obliterates or bleeds near the developing ear, causing decreased flow of cells important in ear development.
Children usually have limited hearing even through the outer ear is not present, as the inner ear is normally formed, however, children lose about 40-50% of their hearing. Children relatively do well with normal speech development because the contralateral ear is normal. The main problem children with Microtia have is in localizing sound.
Grade 1- This is the mildest form, with the affected ear being smaller than normal.
Grade 2- In this type of Microtia, some of the normal features of the outer ear are missing.
Grade 3- This is the most common form of Microtia where the affected ear consists simply of a vertical appendage of skin and cartilage.
Anotia- This is the most severe type of Microtia with complete absence of the ear.
Custom Procedures
1st Visit Impression
2nd Visit Sculpting
3rd Visit Intrinsic Coloring
4th Visit Extrinsic Coloring + Delivery
David Trainer has been a specialist in Custom Prosthetics for over 40 years for children with the following conditions:
- Microtia
- Goldenhar Syndrome
- Atresia
- Treacher Collins Syndrome
We have more than 50 years of experience using advanced prosthetics technology to provide our patients with high quality prosthetics. The prosthetics we provide are easy to maintain and clean. Please contact us today at 239-254-1648 if you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment.
Artificial Eye Fitting Process for Children
At approximately 4-6 weeks following enucleation the process begins with a consultation, which provides an opportunity for your child to become comfortable with our ocularist. Since children are usually apprehensive, we find it helpful to provide them a brief and simple explanation of what will be done during the visit.
It is common to expect three to four visits for the initial prosthesis. We design the fitting technique to match the individual needs of the child. In most cases, the ocularist makes an impression mold of the eye socket. Once the prosthesis is completed, an appointment is scheduled for a return visit in 3 months. This is mainly due to growth and color changes during the first years of like. It is often possible to enlarge your child’s current prosthesis, if only minor changes rare required. This defers the need for a completely new prosthetic eye for at least some period of time. After approximately age 3, follow-up visit to the ocularist can be reduced to every 6 months.
Eye prosthetics for children demand and deserves the utmost care and attention. We take pride in our extensive experience and skill with children. In working with children, we adopt a team approach. It is important for the parents, ocularist, and ophthalmologist to have open communication relating to the care and treatment of the child. We encourage the parents to contact us prior to the first visit concerning any questions related to the care of their child.
We have more than 50 years of experience using advanced prosthetics technology to provide our patients with high quality prosthetics. The prosthetics we provide are easy to maintain and clean. Please call us today at (239) 254-1648 if you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment.
Pediatric Custom Prosthetic Gallery
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 1
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 2
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 3
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 4
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 5
Ear Prosthesis (Before and After) 6
ATTENTION VETERANS
THE VA WILL COVER 100% OF YOUR PROSTHESIS COSTS
Raymond E. Peters Inc, (Center for Custom Prosthetics) continues a mission to help Veterans take advantage of the valuable VA benefits you have earned: 100% coverage of your facial prosthetics. We proudly work with the Veterans Administration on your behalf to make the process simple, affordable and hassle-free.