ear, slanted

ear, slanted A minor anomaly in which the ear is slanted more than usual—more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular. The presence of two or more minor anomalies such as this one in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. Slanted ears are a common sign of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Both of these conditions also feature a very high rate of sensorineural hearing loss and ear infections. Also known as malrotated ear. See also fetal alcohol effect; fetal alcohol syndrome.