Lop Ear in Babies: Why Does the Top of the Ear Fold Over?

Lop ear is an ear shape in which the top of the ear folds forward or downward over itself, like a lid. A mild version is called lidding. Parents often describe it as a “folded ear”.

Short answer: A folded top of the ear may improve in the first days after birth, but if it is still there after the first week it is unlikely to correct itself. Ear molding started in the first weeks can unfold and support the rim without surgery.

• Look: the upper rim bends forward or down instead of standing up.
• Height: the ear can look shorter than the other one.
• Fold: the upper fold of the ear (superior crus) may be weak or missing.

What causes lop ear?

Lop ear happens when the cartilage at the top of the ear is weak or its upper fold did not form fully. Pressure in the womb can make a mild fold worse.

Will lop ear correct itself?

Some mild folds caused by the baby’s position in the womb improve in the first days after birth. When the shape is still visible after the first week, it is less likely to correct itself, and waiting uses up the weeks when the cartilage is softest. An early examination lets the physician decide whether to watch or to start molding. More: do babies grow out of ear deformities?

Can lop ear be corrected without surgery?

Yes, especially in mild and moderate cases. The device lifts and holds the upper rim in a natural position while the cartilage is soft. Severe folds with missing cartilage may respond only partly; the physician explains what to expect.

Molding works best when it starts early, because the cartilage firms in the first weeks of life:

• Started at 15–21 days: about 3 weeks of treatment.
• Started at 4 weeks: about 4 weeks.
• Started at 5 weeks: about 5 weeks.
• Started at 6 weeks: about 6 weeks.

These are average planning guides; the treating physician sets the exact course.

What happens if it is not treated?

Ear shape differences are usually cosmetic and do not affect hearing. Once the cartilage has firmed, the shape no longer responds to molding, and correction later in childhood usually means ear surgery (otoplasty). More: ear molding or otoplasty?

Where can I get my baby’s ear 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.

Other ear shapes: prominent ears, Stahl’s ear, lop ear, cup ear, helical rim deformity, cryptotia, constricted ear, conchal crus. Full guide: baby ear molding.

Frequently asked questions

My baby’s ear was folded at birth and is better now. Do we still need a check?

If the ear looks normal after the first week, molding is usually not needed. If any fold remains, an early check is better than waiting.

Is ear molding painful?

No. The device is soft and no needles, incisions or anesthesia are used. Some babies are briefly fussy while it is fitted and settle quickly.