Can Low Set Ears Be Raised?

Q: Dr. Eppley, My ears are low set and rotated backwards- would like to be pulled up and rotated forwards.( not sure if it makes any sense but my eyes have always been tired since I was little. not sure if it was because of hooded eyes or pull from the low set ears.

A: The ears cannot be moved in a superior direction. The cartilage of the ear is fixed to the side of the ear by its continuation into the bony external auditory canal. This effectively pins the ear into position. While the ear cartilages can be reshaped around this fixed position (e.g., pinned backwards) the base of the ear can not be moved in any direction to relocate his current position on the side of the head. I know this particularly by experience as I have tried to move the war superiorly numerous times…and it never works.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana