Understand
Man with unilateral microtia hears on his left side for the first time thanks to a prosthetic ear
Overview
Stephen Gilbert, 74, from Aghalee, was born with unilateral microtia, meaning his left external ear was underdeveloped or missing, leaving him unable to hear on that side. He was recently fitted at the Ulster Hospital with a newly-designed prosthetic ear that accommodates a hearing aid, allowing him to hear on his left side for the first time. The hospital's oral and maxillofacial surgery service creates bespoke prostheses for individuals affected by birth defects, injuries, and cancer surgery, helping to restore both appearance and function.
Key points
- Stephen Gilbert was born with unilateral microtia, leaving him without an external left ear and unable to hear on his left side.
- He was fitted with a bespoke prosthetic ear at the Ulster Hospital that incorporates a hearing aid, enabling him to hear on his left side for the first time.
- The Ulster Hospital provides the only service of its kind in Northern Ireland, creating customized prostheses for birth defects, traumatic injuries, and cancer surgery.
- Consultant maxillofacial prosthetist Brian Bigmore notes that facial defects deeply impact confidence and quality of life, and that life-like prostheses help patients regain their confidence to face the world.