"Many ear deformities can be corrected at birth by a splintage device, which is essentially what EarBuddies provides. The cartilage in the ear is floppy at birth because of the effect of oestrogen, a hormone produced by the mother, on its structure. It slowly hardens into adulthood but this happens most rapidly between birth and one year. During this period, splintage can work really well. In a newborn it can correct a deformed or sticking-out ear within two weeks; in a three-month-old within ten weeks."

"Early splinting of neonatal ear deformities has been proven to be successful but the opportunity to splint is frequently missed due to lack of awareness amongst healthcare personnel."

"Many are told it will improve with age, or that simple taping will work, when in fact the opposite is true. Odd-shaped ears, which do not become completely normal in appearance within 48 hours of birth should be splinted.”

"When correctly applied and well tolerated, they can reduce ear prominence. Information
should be provided by those advising the parents of babies (GPs, Health Visitors etc) e.g. at the time of their first hearing test of the availability of such devices."

"Ear splintage can be a very effective technique for treatment of neonates with deformational auricular anomalies. The psychological distress caused by prominent ears can be considerable. The main clinical significance of prominent ears is the aesthetic problems, which can lead to a reduced quality of life, reduced self-esteem, social avoidance behaviour and poor performance in school. Teasing at school causes both short-term unhappiness and a potential long-term impact on perception of self-image and self-worth. Children and adults alike with ears that stick out may experience a damaged psyche secondary to outside ridicule and self-criticism.”

"When an ear is noted to be prominent within the first few weeks of life, it is possible to reshape it by applying a small splint to the rim.”

"It is vital that neonatal paediatricians, obstetricians, general practitioners, and midwives are educated about early detection [of ear deformity] and how to initiate treatment themselves.”

"Splintage is a simple, safe and non-invasive procedure for the correction of prominent ears.”

“Ear splinting is an elegant technique that should be practised on a wider scale than is done today. Surprisingly, this technique is relatively unknown to plastic surgeons and is hardly ever communicated to the general public.”

“Early splintage of pinna abnormalities in the neonatal period appears a cost effective and simple procedure which should be encouraged”

“Excellent results were achieved in 82% of the splinted ears. In the other 18% results were satisfactory or good. No complications occurred in the series. Ear splintage is an effective technique that should be more frequently offered to parents of affected neonates.”