Diagnosed with microtia at birth, Karinda’s hearing was immediately tested. The results confirmed that she had hearing loss due to bilateral microtia and atresia.
Microtia is a congenital condition where the outer part of the ear (the pinna) is smaller than normal and may have an unusual shape. In bilateral cases, both ears are affected.
After spending 8 days in the NICU, Karinda was transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where her family first met the team that would guide them through a long-term care journey. From the start, it has been a collaborative effort among expert Nemours Children’s specialists to provide Karinda with the best possible care.
Now 8 years old, the most recent step in Karinda’s treatment has been ear reconstruction surgery. This procedure has brought together Nemours physicians from across the country including Dr. Angelo Leto Barone from Orlando and Dr. Mario Aycart from Delaware. Karinda has been treated by a multidisciplinary team of audiology, otolaryngology, and plastic surgery specialists. Each team member played a crucial role in ensuring Karinda received comprehensive treatment, tailored to her unique condition.
Her surgery involved a series of intricate steps to create a more natural-looking ear structure. Dr. Leto Barone and Dr. Aycart used cutting edge 3D printing and performed virtual surgical planning of her repair by 3D printing her entire head and planning ear placement using a novel positioning guide well in advance of her surgery. By using these advanced techniques, they were able to sculpt and position the ear cartilage precisely.
“The Nemours staff are all great with making kids feel comfortable in a medical setting,” shares Karinda’s mother, Linda. “All the departments work together so scheduling multiple appointments is easy, and all doctors have the same medical information for treatment. The doctors listen to you and make you feel heard.”
So far, recovery has been smooth for Karinda. “Follow-up appointments have gone well and since receiving the tops of her ears [reconstructed] she is able to wear glasses better,” says Linda. “It has also boosted her confidence and self-esteem.”
Currently, Karinda and her family are preparing for additional procedures. “We are anxiously awaiting our next surgeries and hearing aid fittings,” says Linda. “We have at least two more reconstructive surgeries planned and then a surgery to implant magnets for hearing aids. The next two surgeries will help to better position her glasses, so her vision is better.”
When asked what advice she would give to other parents navigating a similar situation, Linda says, “Find a team you and your child feel comfortable with. Do what you feel is best for your child and their life long-term. Do research and ask questions.”
Though Karinda’s medical journey is still unfolding, her family is confident in the care she’ll receive from Nemours Children’s Health. Her treatment has brought together experts from across the organization who share a commitment to Karinda’s health, development, and future.
