Ear Tags and Ear Pits in Newborns: Evaluation, Not Ear Molding

Ear tags and ear pits are small findings usually just in front of the outer ear. They are common in newborns. They are not the same as ear shape differences such as lidding or Stahl’s ear, and ear molding does not remove tags or close pits.

Short answer: Point them out at the newborn exam. Your pediatrician checks hearing and the baby overall. Molding reshapes cartilage folds; tags and pits follow a different pathway if treatment is ever needed.

• Ear tag: a small skin bump (sometimes with cartilage) in front of the ear — also called preauricular tag or accessory tragus.
• Ear pit: a tiny dimple or opening in front of the upper ear — also called preauricular pit or sinus.
• Molding: not the treatment for tags or pits.

What is an ear tag in a newborn?

An ear tag is a soft bump of skin, sometimes containing a bit of cartilage, typically sitting in front of the ear (preauricular area). Tags can be on one side or both. Most are isolated findings. They can look alarming in photos but are often noticed first by parents or the nursery team.

What is an ear pit (preauricular pit)?

An ear pit is a small dimple or pinpoint opening, usually near the front of the upper ear. It may be shallow or connect to a short sinus tract under the skin. Pits can become red or drain if infected later — that needs prompt pediatric care.

How are ear tags and pits evaluated?

• Full newborn look: the pediatrician examines the tag or pit and the rest of the baby.
• Hearing screen: all newborns should complete routine hearing screening; abnormal or missed screens need follow-up with audiology.
• When more tests are considered: other malformations, dysmorphic features, branchial findings, a family history of deafness or kidney/ear problems, or certain pregnancy histories may lead the pediatrician to order further evaluation. Isolated tags or pits often do not need a kidney ultrasound by themselves — that decision belongs to the physician who sees your baby.

Related reading on hearing vs outer-ear shape: causes and treatment overview.

Does ear molding treat ear tags or pits?

No. Molding gently guides soft outer-ear cartilage into a more typical curve. It cannot cut away a tag or seal a pit. If removal or surgical management is discussed later, that is usually with a pediatric surgeon or ENT specialist — separate from molding for folds such as lidding or Stahl’s ear.

When should we call the pediatrician about a pit or tag?

• Redness, swelling, tenderness or discharge from a pit.
• Fever with local skin changes.
• Questions about hearing or a failed / incomplete newborn hearing screen.
• Any other facial or neck differences you want checked together with the ear finding.

What if my baby also has a folded or pointed ear?

Tags or pits can coexist with moldable shape differences. Molding may still be considered for the shape problem after an exam. The tag or pit itself stays on its own plan. Start with: mixed ear deformity if several shape features are present, or the candidacy checklist.

Where can shape concerns be assessed?

The CranioWell baby ear corrector set is applied and followed only by treating physicians. Find the nearest one in our specialist directory. If there is no physician near you, send us a photo of your baby’s ear and your location, and we will tell you what options are available.

Shape library: Other ear shapes: prominent ears, Stahl’s ear, lop ear, cup ear, ear lidding, flat ear helix / helical rim, cryptotia, constricted ear, conchal crus, mixed ear deformity. Full guide: baby ear molding.

Related: what ear molding is, home kits vs professional care, do babies grow out of ear deformities?.

Frequently asked questions

Are ear tags and pits dangerous?

Most are harmless isolated findings. Your pediatrician decides whether any extra tests are needed based on the whole exam and history.

Can molding flatten an ear tag?

No. Molding reshapes folds of the pinna; it does not remove tags.

Should every baby with a pit have a kidney scan?

Not automatically for an isolated pit. Guidelines emphasize looking for other risk markers first; your pediatrician makes that call.