microtia, 소이증

Ⅰ. 서론

Microtia, commonly referred to in Korean as 소이증, is a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment or complete absence of the external ear. This condition can manifest in various degrees of severity, ranging from minor deformities of the ear structure to complete absence of the ear, known as anotia. The prevalence of microtia varies across populations, affecting approximately 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 12,000 live births globally. While the exact cause of microtia is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors during fetal development. Microtia can occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome, and it is often associated with other congenital anomalies, especially those affecting the hearing system. In many cases, children born with this condition may also suffer from hearing loss due to associated issues with the middle ear, which can complicate the management and treatment of the condition. The presence of micr…