An ear pit is a small opening, about the size of a pinhead, located in front of the ear that some babies are born with. Also called a preauricular pit, it’s common and usually harmless, rarely needing any treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of an Ear Pit
An ear pit looks like a tiny hole near the front of the ear and can appear on one or both ears. This hole opens into a small tunnel (known as a tract) under the skin. While most ear pits don’t cause issues, infections can occur if germs get into the tract, causing swelling, soreness, and redness around the area.
Most babies with an ear pit are healthy, though in rare cases, a child with an ear pit may also have hearing loss.
What Causes an Ear Pit?
An ear pit forms early during pregnancy, as the baby’s ear develops. The ear doesn’t fully come together, leading to the formation of the tract and pit. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but ear pits can run in families. Occasionally, ear pits are part of genetic syndromes that also involve hearing loss and kidney issues.
How Are Ear Pits Diagnosed?
Doctors typically notice and diagnose an ear pit at birth. They will check the baby to ensure there are no other health problems. As part of standard newborn screening, most babies will undergo a hearing test, and if any issues are found, further testing will be done.
How Are Ear Pits Treated?
Most ear pits don’t require treatment. However, if the ear pit becomes infected, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. For recurrent infections, surgery may be needed to remove the pit and its tract.
What Else Should I Know?
Most children with ear pits are healthy and have normal hearing. Follow your doctor’s advice for any necessary follow-up care. Because infections can occur, contact your doctor if the pit becomes red, swollen, or pus is present.