Ankylotia

/ˌæŋkɪloʊˈtiə/ noun

Definition

A congenital ear condition where part or all of the ear cartilage is abnormally attached or fused, sometimes resulting in a misshapen ear.

Etymology

From Greek 'ankylo-' (stiff, fused) combined with 'otia' (relating to the ear, from 'ous'). Medical term describing abnormal ear development.

Kelly Says

Newborns with ankylotia sometimes can't hear properly because the ear structures needed for sound transmission are fused together. Modern surgery can carefully separate these structures to restore hearing, which is why babies get hearing screened right after birth.

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