| Anotia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Illustration of anotia | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics  |
Anotia ("no ear") describes a rare congenital deformity that involves the complete absence of the auricle, the outer projected portion of the ear, and narrowing or absence of the ear canal. This contrasts with microtia, in which a small part of the auricle is present. Anotia and microtia may occur unilaterally (only one ear affected) or bilaterally (both ears affected). This deformity results in conductive hearing loss, deafness.