A little Brisbane girl's dreams have come true thanks to an Australian-first paediatric 3D ear reconstruction allowing her to now wear earrings.
Harriet Sanders was born without ears and diagnosed with hearing loss a day later.
The six-year-old had two separate conditions — bilateral microtia and atresia — which impacted the development of the outer ear and the ear canal.
Her mum, Anna Sanders, said she was overwhelmed with happiness when Harriet was born.
"We noticed that Harriet sort of had an ear that was folded over and on the other side there was nothing there at all and the doctors at the time didn't know what was wrong," she said.
An ear, nose and throat specialist diagnosed Harriet's conditions the next day.
Hearing aids from three weeks old
Ultrasounds or scans during Ms Sanders' pregnancy did not pick up on the condition.
"We were told that in most cases ears aren't looked at and no-one really knows what causes the condition. It can run in families but there was no history in our family," Ms Sanders said.
"In Harriet's case, [Ms Sanders had] a suspected miscarriage around seven weeks with some bleeding so that is when their ears develop, but we really don't know."
Numerous hearing tests were undertaken to diagnose Harriet's condition during the first few days of her life.
Ms Sanders said it was hard considering she was a newborn.
"Harriet had this rare condition and even more rare to be bilateral – most children born usually have one ear lost but Harriet didn’t have either ear.
"She had moderate to severe hearing loss and was given bilateral bone conducted hearing aids from the age of three weeks old."
3D-printed ears
Ms Sanders' research found that ear reconstructions were happening overseas yet none had been undertaken in Australia.
Then she met Sydney surgeon Joe Dusseldorp.
"He had only started looking into reconstructions a few years ago and Harriet was one of his first," Ms Sanders said.
Harriet underwent surgery last year.
The operation to construct and surgically attach the 3D printed ears took 10 hours.
"Inside the ear is made up of a 3D printed hard plastic that is porous and then the tissue goes into it and Harriet's own skin goes over the top," Ms Sanders said.
Harriet's ears were modelled from a cast of her mother's.
"They look great, but they haven't been without complications, and as she grows her ears won't grow with her," she said.
New earrings and hearing aids
Harriet had an hearing aid implanted during her second surgery which she can control.
"She had been wearing hearing aids with a band so having these new hearing aids implanted means she can do things herself which is empowering," Ms Sanders said.
"It's been a struggle at times but we're so happy to have a healthy and happy child and she's a ray of sunshine in our lives everyday and we have great family and friend support.
"She's been so very brave and loves showing her ears off to classmates."
Harriet's now wearing small gold sleepers in her brand-new ears.
