Beth: Let's move along to a risk indicator we already discussed briefly. Do you remember when we discussed visually checking the ear for abnormalities? Those are known as craniofacial anomalies or abnormalities.

Jordan: Wow. Big name - but I get it - cranio - um, like cranium or head, and facial, as in face…! Am I right?

Beth: Yes, They include or involve the pinna -or the outer ear, the ear canal, ear tags, ear pits and temporal bone anomalies. Let's talk about abnormalities of the ear canal. This is when the canal looks closed off or it doesn't have an opening. It might even be extremely narrow or have just a partial opening. Babies that have an abnormal pinna or ear canal shouldn't be screened. Instead, you should refer them to a pediatric audiologist. An ear tag refers to an extra growth of skin. An ear pit is a small hole or indentation near the ear. Temporal bone anomalies may not be noticeable at birth. Babies with an ear pit or ear tag can be screened as long as the outer ear and ear canal look normal. Remember, only proceed with the screening if the outer ear and ear canal look normal. Babies with craniofacial anomalies can be in either the well-baby nursery or the NICU.