EarWell is analogous to “braces for the ears”—it is a non-surgical system that corrects ear deformities in babies and infants. EarWell uses a series of soft silicone and aluminum molds to gently reshape the ear cartilage while it is still flexible.
Click here for more info on EarWell .
How does the EarWell system work?
- Fellowship-trained craniofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Arthur Desrosiers, gently applies the EarWell system to infants as early as 7 to 10 days after birth.
- The EarWell system consists of a silicone cradle, retractors, and a shell (cover).
- It remains in place for two weeks before being removed.
In some cases, a short break of 2–7 days, known as an “EarWell holiday,” is used to allow the skin to breathe. - The system can be reapplied up to three times before six months of age, depending on breastfeeding status.
- Breastfeeding may play a key role in ear molding, as breast milk contains enzymes that help keep the baby’s ear cartilage pliable and flexible.
- The EarWell system gradually shapes the ear for improved aesthetic and functional outcomes.
What are the Benefits of EarWell System?
- Painless—doesn’t hurt the baby on application nor during treatment.
- No incisions—no needles no scalpel.
- Rapid results—as quickly as 2 weeks, and typically with 3 treatments within 6 months.
- Effective for 90–98% of ear deformities.
- Can eliminate the need for surgery at age 4-5 years of age.
- Far less expensive than surgery at age 4-5 years of age.
Why choose EarWell? Is surgery an option?
Ear deformities can lead to teasing or bullying and, in some cases, affect a child’s ability to wear glasses properly. Traditionally, surgical correction (otoplasty) was performed at age 4 to address these concerns before Kindergarten. Surgery at a younger age isn’t possible because the ear is too small and surgery may negatively impact its growth.
Otoplasty requires general anesthesia, a hospital or surgery center visit, and leaves a lasting memory of the procedure. With more children attending preschool as early as age 3, delaying treatment until surgery is possible but may expose them to social challenges. Click here for more info on surgical otoplasty.
EarWell offers a painless, non-surgical alternative to gently reshape the ears in infancy—before a child is aware of the condition. Many parents choose this early intervention to help achieve a more ideal functional and aesthetic outcome without the need for future surgery.
Does Earwell actually work?
Does breastfeeding matter?
Ear molding is most effective in the first few weeks of life when an infant’s ear cartilage is soft and pliable due to high maternal estrogen levels. Early treatment during this period greatly improves the success of non-surgical correction, often preventing the need for surgery later in childhood. Breastfeeding may help extend the window for ear molding because maternal estrogens are present in breast milk. However, while it may allow for treatment beyond the ideal early weeks, the degree of correction may not be as effective as when started earlier. Without breastfeeding, the opportunity for successful treatment may close sooner.
How long is the treatment?
What are the age limits on EarWell?
The ideal time for EarWell ear molding is within the first 10 days of life, with success rates exceeding 90% when started early. The treatment is most effective while the ear cartilage remains soft and pliable. Success declines after 3 months and significantly decreases after 6 months (or when breastfeeding ends, whichever comes first). Beyond 4 to 6 months, the cartilage becomes firmer and less responsive to molding, especially in the absence of breast milk.
During my fellowship, I participated in a study where we injected hyaluronidase, a naturally occurring enzyme, into older infants’ ears to improve cartilage flexibility and facilitate molding. While the results were not as effective as early intervention, the treatment still provided noticeable improvement. Some patients between 4-8 months may benefit from this approach.
Are EarWell devices painful?
Babies do cry during the procedure, but the Earwell system placement is not painful. There are no scalpels or needles. The ear molding system stays in place for 2 weeks and does not cause the baby pain.
Is it easy to take EarWell devices off?
Yes, the Earwell system comes off easyily. Because there are no sutures, and only adhesive, the ear molding system peels off like a sticker and doesn’t hurt the baby. Adhesive remover may be used with or without saline or alcohol pads.
Can the baby shower during treatment?
No, the Earwell cradle cannot get wet during the treatment. The baby can have a sponge bathing.
Because the Earwell cannot get wet, one of the challenges is the prevent “spit-up” from getting into the Earwell cradle. Thus, it is important to feed the baby in an upright position and not allow the baby to lie down immediately after feeding.
How do I stop the baby from taking the Earwell cradle off at night?
At night or when unattended, parents will fit the baby with “no-no’s.” These are soft elbow restraints commonly used in craniofacial surgery in babies with, e.g., cleft lip and cleft palate. In addition, your pediatrician may authorize nightly administration of liquid Tylenol for the baby. Consult your pediatrician for proper dosage amounts based on the weight of the baby.
Can the baby sleep on their side?
The baby can sleep on their side. Dr. Arthur places a colorful Coban wrap around the baby like a “Ninja headband” that will safely keep the EarWells in place. Because the Earwell cradle and shell sit comfortably in place, there is no pressure on the ear itself, and it is safe for the baby to sleep on their side.
Does insurance cover Earwell?
No.
In our experience, insurance companies do not cover Earwell ear molding. Even when authorization is granted, payments are often revoked retroactively. As a result, Earwell ear molding is considered a cosmetic procedure.
However, Earwell offers significant financial and medical benefits. It can prevent the need for otoplasty at ages 4–5, which often results in out-of-pocket costs of $8,000–$10,000. In contrast, Earwell costs approximately $1,000-$4,500. Additionally, early correction spares children from undergoing major surgery and potential social challenges before treatment.
[1] Ahmed M, Al Saadawi G, Mendonca DA. EarWell Infant Ear Molding Device: Experience and Parent Survey. J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Oct 1;34(7):2133-2136. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009574. Epub 2023 Aug 7. PMID: 37552118.
[2] Ahmed M, Al Saadawi G, Mendonca DA. EarWell Infant Ear Molding Device: Experience and Parent Survey. J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Oct 1;34(7):2133-2136. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009574. Epub 2023 Aug 7. PMID: 37552118.
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