Damian and Michael Mosley, both born with Microtia and Atresia, receiving their newly donated Cochlear Americas Baha 5 processors (August 13, 2015)

Meet Michael and Damian Mosley of Mableton, Georgia. Michael is nine years old and was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia and his brother, Damian, is almost 2 years old, born with Microtia and Atresia of his left ear. Michael and Damian’s father, Nathanael, also has Microtia and Atresia. Michael and Damian’s parents, Sarah and Nathanael, wanted to make sure their boys could hear, but they have struggled to obtain hearing devices for their sons through their insurance provider. Sarah says “their insurance provider has turned down all of their appeals for coverage of a bone anchored hearing device.” Sarah knows that bone anchored hearing devices could help her sons hear better as she states “when Michael puts his loaner BAHA (on a soft band) on his younger brother, Damian, his face lights up with delight.” Thankfully, the Mosley family found the Ear Community Organization and applied for three bone anchored hearing devices for their sons.

On August 13^th, 2015, both Michael and Damian were fitted with their newly donated Cochlear Americas Baha 5 hearing devices. While the time and services for the boy’s fitting and programming were unable to be donated, additional funds were made possible, in memory of Curt Gorman (Past President of Oticon Medical US), that helped fund these extra costs so Michael and Damian could have their Baha 5 processors fitted and programmed appropriately. Curt Gorman had a passion for helping children hear better as he was a pioneer in the hearing device industry, especially for bone anchored hearing devices. Curt new many colleagues in the hearing device industry who work for Cochlear Americas and when he was President of Entific Medical Systems (US). Ear Community wishes to thank the Gorman family ( and those who made contributions in Curt’s name) for helping make these funds possible so Michael and Damian could receive their hearing devices. Thank you to Dr. Erica Claxton of Children’s Hospital of Alabama for fitting and programming the boy’s hearing devices.

Ear Community is a nonprofit organization that helps the Microtia and Atresia community worldwide. Ear Community is so very thankful for the help that it receives and when other organizations come together to help Ear Community with its mission, to help children and adults born with Microtia and Atresia. “Thank you to Cochlear Americas for helping Michael and Damian live a better quality of life by donating their new Baha 5 processors so they can hear better in school,” says Melissa Tumblin.

Ear Community would especially like to thank Kolleen Davis and Joanne Kernie of Cochlear Americas for donating the three Baha 5’s to our foundation so Ear Community could help Michael and Damian hear better. “Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of more than 2,500 people who deliver the gift of sound to those with hearing loss in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life enhancing hearing solutions. In 2013, Cochlear celebrates 100,000 Baha System users – all with unique stories of how being able to hear again has impacted their lives. The Cochlear promise of “Hear Now. And Always” embodies the company’s commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives.”

Thank you and congratulations on hearing all of the sounds of life so much better Michael and Damian!
Melissa Tumblin (Founder) and Board of Directors
Ear Community
www.EarCommunity.org

Adam Kozuszek, college scholarship recipient through Ear Community, August 2015.

Meet Adam Kozuszek, a freshman entering his first year of college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Adam comes from a long history of farmers and he enjoys being a big brother to his two younger sisters, Sarah and Clara.  Adam was born with Microtia and Atresia of his right ear, but his hearing loss and Microtia have never gotten in the way of his goals in life.  While Adam has never had reconstructive surgery and does not wear a hearing device, he has always been involved in top roles in school, has always been a hard worker, and is a confident individual.  While attending Waltonville High School, Adam was very involved with sports and an active member to many organizations that he belonged to.  Adam was the President of his high school’s FFA chapter and also a section FFA officer as well.  He was  the Vice President of FBLA and a member of student council, Beta, and FCA and as the varsity captain for his school’s Scholar Bowl team, he was named MVP last year.  In addition, Adam plays golf and was the team manger for his school’s basketball team.  He was also a past recipient of the Woodmen of the World American History Award and was an Illinois State Scholar.

Adam has a lot on his plate as he helps work on his family’s farm and also on two other farms in his neighborhood.  Adam loves farming and it has been a big part of his life ever since he was born.  Some of his earliest memories include him sitting on his grandpa’s lap and steering the tractor through the field.  By the time Adam was eleven years old, he was already doing field work by himself.  As Adam enters college, he plans on earning a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Adam applied to Ear Community for our college scholarship as he is paying his own way through college.   “Whenever funds are available, Ear Community is always proud to help individuals who have Microtia and Atresia with their education.” says Melissa Tumblin.  “There is no doubt in my mind that Adam will excel at his education and in anything he puts his mind to in life…especially coming out of high school with a 3.995 GPA as the class Salutatorian and having a 30 on his ACT” says Melissa.  Adam hopes to work for a farming machinery equipment manufacturer like John Deere or Case IH someday.

Ear Community is proud to have been able to help Adam further his education by awarding him a college scholarship in the amount of $750.00 (USD).  Adam was awarded the Ear Community scholarship just in time for his first semester of college this fall.  All of us at Ear Community wish you the best of luck with your education and your dreams Adam.

Thank you,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder of Ear Community
and
Ear Community Board of Directors

Curt Gorman, Sr. Vice President and past President of Oticon Medical. He will be missed by many in the hearing device industry and around the world. Rest in peace Curt. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.

Every now and then you meet someone in your life who just understands what it is that you are trying to do and they embrace you. A special someone who wants to help you because they see a certain passion in you. A certain someone who chooses to take you under their wing providing guidance and encouragement and expressing their excitement for what it is that you are doing. For me, that someone was Curt Gorman, Sr. Vice President for Oticon Medical US (BAHS division) (and past President of Oticon Medical US) because he believed in me and in helping children born with Microtia and Atresia.

Curt had a soft spot in his heart for wanting to help individuals with hearing loss, especially children. When Curt found out about the support group I had founded that helps children and adults who were born with missing ears, facial challenges, and hearing loss (Microtia and Atresia)….he loved this idea as helping kids was something he felt most passionately about. I remember when Curt took the time to spend half a day with me wanting to know more about my hopes and aspirations. He just listened to what I had to say….he listened and then told me how he and Oticon Medical would like to help. Curt was especially excited when I told him that I had decided to take my support group to the next level as a nonprofit organization. The smile on his face was something that I will never forget because I could feel his excitement and it was as if he knew that something special was about to happen. This is the kind of person Curt was. He had the ability to help others find what they were looking for and help them get there. He supported me in my efforts for my organization and I will forever be grateful to him for believing in me and in the Ear Community Organization.

Curt looked forward to being apart of Ear Community picnics and seeing all of the children and adults and their families come together, sharing their experiences. I know it meant a lot to him to see the tears of joy from the children and adults hearing for the very first time through the hearing devices at our picnics. It is my understanding that Curt was planning to attend Ear Community’s 5^th Annual Colorado picnic (7/25/2015) up until the last moment, but his fight with cancer was becoming more difficult. He loved Ear Community. I truly wished I could have seen him one more time.

While I only had the privilege of knowing Curt over the past five years, I know he was an amazing person. Thank you for touching my life and the lives of so many others. Thank you for also believing in Ear Community and for wanting to help me help others hear better. You will be missed by so many in the hearing device industry all over the world.  You were an amazing person Curt. Thank you for making a difference in so many people’s lives and for being so involved in the community.

Tine Schou, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon Medical Denmark, says that “for many in the hearing device industry, Curt was the father of bone anchored treatment in the US as he was involved in Entific, long before Oticon Medical as well. His dedication to patients and professionals will never be forgotten. He was a very brave man and he worked for Oticon Medical until last week due to his dedication for treatment.”

For Alan Raffauf, Vice President of Marketing Oticon Medical US, and Oticon Medical staff….I know Curt was an amazing mentor, friend and colleague to so many of you in the office. I can only hope that all of you can find comfort in his passing and heal quickly knowing that he will always be with you and how his life impacted all of yours.
– Melissa Tumblin (Ear Community Founder)

For DeAnn, (Curt’s wife), and two sons (Jerrit and Alex), I know you made Curt so very happy because every time I met him, he was always happy.  I enjoyed discussions with him about Jerrit and Alex and wrestling, and college, etc…  I know he was loved by you and enjoyed his life with you. Please thank your mom, DeAnn, for making the cute satchel bags for my daughters with the butterflies on them.  Curt was so excited to give them to my daughters with all of the goodies in them.  My girls still use them!  Curt had an amazing smile too.  Curt loved how Ear Community was born out of my passion for wanting to help other children like my youngest daughter, Ally.  Thank you Curt for loving my Ally girl.  It is because of Curt’s efforts in product development that he was able to help so many individuals around the world hear better.  I am thankful for him!  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends at this time.

We are thinking of you.
– The Tumblin Family

Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for being the person you were Curt!
Melissa Tumblin and Family
Ear Community Founders
The Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Here are some favorite memories of how Curt was a part of the Tumblin family’s life and how he touched Ear Community:

Oticon Medical Mourns Passing of Curt Gorman, Senior Vice President, BAHS Division

Curt Gorman, Sr. Vice President of Oticon Medical. He will be missed by many in the hearing device industry and around the world. Rest in peace Curt. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.

SOMERSET, NJ   August 6 — Oticon Medical sadly announces the passing of Curt Gorman, Senior Vice President, BAHS Division, following a courageous battle with cancer.  A valued member of the management team since Oticon Medical’s inception in 2009, Gorman was passionate about building a company that made implantable hearing solutions an option for more people than ever before. His unwavering focus on delivering innovative solutions and quality support and service earned him the deep respect and loyalty of Oticon Medical customers and fellow associates alike.

Gorman was a pioneer in the hearing implant industry and an early champion of the benefits of bone anchored hearing technology who helped to increase awareness and adoption by hearing healthcare professionals across the US.

“All of us at Oticon Medical who had the pleasure of working with Curt and learning from him are saddened by his passing,” said Jes Olsen, President of Oticon Medical A/S.  “He will be remembered as a warm and caring friend and a dedicated mentor who gave freely of his time, advice and expertise. We honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of service and passion for people with hearing loss and the dedicated professionals who serve them.”

Gorman is survived by his wife, DeAnn, and sons, Jerrit and Alex.

Jared Schnackenberg, President, Oticon Medical US, will assume responsibilities for the BAHS Division for the immediate future.

Oticon Medical logo

Oticon Medical is pleased to announce the launch of the FIRST SOFT HEALING CAP on the market.

The healing cap is intended to be attached to the abutment during the soft tissue healing period after a bone anchored implant surgery to hold the dressing in place and act as protective mechanical barrier.

Consequently, the new soft healing cap is made of a specially selected thermoplastic elastomer material, designed to provide a dampening effect and stay in place if subject to impact. This flexibility allows the healing cap to absorb side forces when exposed to impact, rather than transferring that impact to the abutment which could be the case of a hard healing cap.

omsofthealingcap

Furthermore, the open design of the soft healing cap enables the sound processor to be connected whenever it suits the patient. This ensures the patient always has access to sound.

NOTE: The soft healing cap is designed for all Ponto surgeries but only fits the Ponto abutment family!!!

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-888-277-8014. We look forward to hearing from you!! For more information on hearing implant solutions, Oticon Medical, the Ponto System and the Ponto Plus family of sound processors, visitwww.oticonmedical.com or the Oticon Medical Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.

Reyna Guzman-Marroquin, born with unilateral Microtia/Atresia wears her newly donated Cochlear Americas Baha 4 just in time for preschool. Fitted on June 18th 2015.

Meet Reyna Guzman-Marroquin, a 2.5 year old toddler born with unilateral Microtia and Atresia of her right ear.  Reyna lives in Fort Morgan, Colorado and is your typical little girl who is fun spirited and excited to begin talking and singing.  Shortly after Reyna was born, her mom, Magdalena Marroquin-Ramirez, began noticing that Reyna wasn’t as vocal as Reyna’s other siblings were at her age (Reyna is 1 out of 6 siblings).  Magdalena was informed about Colorado’s Early Intervention program and how speech services could help Reyna along with obtaining a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) to help her hear better.  Just before Reyna turned two years old, Reyna was able to receive speech services through CHIP (a local hearing impaired program in Colorado) as she qualified for early intervention services based on a speech/language delay.  Reyna’s auditory skills were also delayed.

Once trialing a traditional bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA), Reyna’s mother inquired about the newer BAHA that was available, but there was no funding for a BAHA as Reyna’s family does not have the financial income to provide for family insurance.  Reyna’s mother had followed up with Children’s Hospital Colorado in regards to qualifying through Medicaid to obtain a hearing device for Reyna, but was not approved through Medicaid.  Reyna’s resource coordinator for early intervention services, Annette Landes, M.A., CCC-SLP, of the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, decided to apply for a hearing device on behalf of the family through the Ear Community Organization to see if Reyna could obtain a BAHA.  Annette knew that “with Reyna’s speech and language delay that through the use of a BAHA it would assist in maximizing her potential for adequate development in this area.”   Annette and Magdalena knew that Reyna was also not able to localize sounds and that this is a significant safety issue.  A BAHA could help Reyna hear better in general and localize sounds better.  Annette and Reyna’s mother, Magdalena, were concerned about Reyna learning as she will be entering preschool this fall (2015).  Annette states that “research has clearly shown that children with unilateral hearing loss are at a great disadvantage in the school setting if not appropriately aided supported with therapy resources….Reyna will have access to her peers, incidental learning opportunities, sound awareness/localization only if she is aided with a BAHA.  Without this amplification, she may well become part of the statistics that indicate a high incidence of grade repeating and social isolation.”

On June 18th, Reyna was fitted with a new Cochlear Americas Baha 4 on a soft band head band by Dr. Emily Nightengale of Children’s Hospital Colorado.  Since Reyna has been aided with her new Baha 4, both Magdalena and Annette have witnessed how Reyna is more responsive now with a Baha.  Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community, states “By giving Reyna the chance to hear better with her new Baha 4 will not only allow her to thrive during her first year of preschool, but this is the time to help Reyna hear better during her critical years of development (birth to 5) so she can become more vocal as her language skills develop.”

Ear Community is a nonprofit organization that helps the Microtia and Atresia community worldwide. Ear Community is so very thankful for the help that it receives and when other organizations come together to help Ear Community with its mission, to help children and adults born with Microtia and Atresia. “Thank you to Cochlear Americas for helping Reyna live a better quality of life by donating a new Baha 4 processor so she can hear better in school,”  says Melissa Tumblin.

A special thank you to Annette Landes for applying to Ear Community for a Baha 4 for Reyna.  Thank you to Dr. Emily Nightengale  for donating her time and services to help fit and program Reyna with her new Baha 4 processor.  Ear Community would especially like to thank Kerri Lewandowski and Joanne Kernie of Cochlear Americas for donating the Baha 4 to our foundation so Ear Community could help Reyna hear better. “Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of more than 2,500 people who deliver the gift of sound to those with hearing loss in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life enhancing hearing solutions. In 2013, Cochlear celebrates 100,000 Baha System users – all with unique stories of how being able to hear again has impacted their lives. The Cochlear promise of “Hear Now. And Always” embodies the company’s commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives.”

Thank you and congratulations on hearing better and becoming more vocal Reyna!
Melissa Tumblin
Ear Community
www.EarCommunity.org

On June 16th, 2015, twenty year old Nicole Pintac wearing her newly donated Cochlear Americas Baha 5 from Ear Community.

Meet Nicole Pintac of Minot, North Dakota.  Nicole is a twenty year old beautiful young lady who was born with Microtia and Atresia of her right ear.   When Nicole was younger, she did have reconstructive ear surgery on her right ear (rib graft), but she still struggled with her hearing.

Nicole works at a popular hotel in her home town and finds herself always apologizing to the guests because she just can not hear them (when welcoming them at the front desk).  Nicole says  “from the moment I was born, I’ve struggled with figuring out which way sounds are coming from [and] it is very hard for me to talk on the phone or talk to anyone in general.”  “Unfortunately, my hearing loss affected me severely in school as I could never hear the teachers and I struggle to read lips.”  Nicole’s everyday life is affected by her hearing loss.  She says, “I still struggle with pronouncing several words because I just can not hear very well, even though I have normal hearing in my left ear.”  Nicole explains, “Most people I know can tolerate me asking them to repeat what they said two or three times, but the people who do not know I’m deaf on my right side become very upset and annoyed with me.”  “This has had an impact on my everyday life, trying to just be happy and accepting of my hearing loss.”

Recently, Nicole made an appointment to see an audiologist, Dr. Tricia Nechodom at Trinity Health Center in Minot, North Dakota. Dr. Nechodom introduced her to the Cochlear Americas Baha 4 and allowed Nicole to trial a loaner device so Nicole could see how her life would be with a hearing device.  To Nicole’s surprise, she couldn’t believe how clearly she could hear from the moment she began wearing the loaner device.  However, Nicole’s insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield does not provide coverage for a bone anchored hearing device and so her request for a Baha was denied.  Nicole began researching options for assistance in obtaining a hearing device when she found Ear Community.  Not only did Nicole discover Ear Community’s hearing device program, but she also discovered an entire community that she could go to for support and more.  In fact, Nicole told her mother about Ear Community and it’s support group, the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook, and they both cried, realizing that they were not alone anymore after all of these years!  Nicole quickly applied to Ear Community for help to obtain a hearing device.

In previous discussions with Melissa Tumblin, the Founder and Exeuctive Director of Ear Community, Nicole explained how she had found it difficult to wear the Baha loaner device on a soft band head band, as she had to be forced to wear her hair up in order to help keep it on better.  Melissa Tumblin informed Nicole about the wire head band as an option in place of the soft band head band.  Melissa Tumblin also informed Nicole about the newly launched Cochlear Americas Baha 5 bone conduction hearing system. On June 16th, 2015th, Nicole had her audiology appointment with Dr. Tricia Nechodom for her fitting of her new Baha 5 with a wire head band.  Nicole states that “I am absolutely in love the the Baha…I can hear my husband and family clearly, which I am sure they love not having to repeat everything all of the time now.  It has been an incredible feeling.  My whole world has opened me up to something so new and amazing.  I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on until I was able to wear a Baha.  I can have an actual conversation with out having everyone repeat what they have said.”  Thank you!  Immediately after Nicole’s fitting with her new Baha, she sent an e-mail to Melissa at Ear Community and said, “You can’t even tell I’m wearing it! And I called my mom off of the phone app and I heard her for the first time on the phone on my right side. It was incredible! I’m sooooooooo happy. Thank you thank you thank youuu!”

Ear Community is a nonprofit organization that helps the Microtia and Atresia community worldwide. Ear Community is so very thankful for the help that it receives and when other organizations come together to help Ear Community with its mission, to help children and adults born with Microtia and Atresia. “Thank you to Cochlear Americas for helping Nicole live a better quality of life by donating a new Baha 5 processor so she can hear better at work and not have to ask people to constantly repeat what they have said,” says Melissa Tumblin.  Some day, Nicole would like to have her new Baha 5 surgically implanted.

A special thank you to Dr. Tricia Nechodom for donating her time and services to help fit and program Nicole’s new Baha 5 processor.  Ear Community would especially like to thank Kerri Lewandowski and Joanne Kernie ofCochlear Americas for donating the Baha 5 to our foundation so Ear Community could help Nicole hear better. “Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of more than 2,500 people who deliver the gift of sound to those with hearing loss in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life enhancing hearing solutions. In 2013, Cochlear celebrates 100,000 Baha System users – all with unique stories of how being able to hear again has impacted their lives. The Cochlear promise of “Hear Now. And Always” embodies the company’s commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives.”

Nicole, all of us here at Ear Community are so happy for you, knowing that you can now hear everything that you were once missing out on, says Melissa Tumblin.  I have a feeling that you will see some job promotions in your future because of your newly found self confidence now that you can hear so much better!  Good luck to you Nicole!”  – Melissa

Thanks,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director
Ear Community
www.EarCommunity.org

Luca Brooks, BMA w/BOR Syndrome, wearing his newly donated Oticon Medical Ponto Plus Power hearing device on June 6th, 2015

Meet Luca Brooks, a one and a half year old sweet baby boy from Burke, Virginia.  Luca has bilateral Microtia and Atresia and has been diagnosed with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome.  Luca was born premature (at 34 weeks) and spent his first days in the NICU.  Today, Luca is full of energy and one of the happiest little boys anyone will ever meet.

After Luca was born, his parents, Anne Verna Brooks and Robert Brooks spent much of their time welcoming Luca into their lives and celebrated how beautiful he was.  However, Anne wondered what challenges Luca would have and if he had any additional syndromes.  Once Anne recovered, she started doing research about Microtia and Atresia and found Ear Community.  She was relieved to find so many other families dealing with the same challenges and to see so many other children just like Luca, without ears.  Once learning that Luca had hearing loss in both ears, Anne and Robert met with an audiologist and ENT to further evaluate Luca and inquire about what could be done to help him hear better.  “After almost one year of constant phone calls, letters and e-mails, by ourselves, our Audiologist, and ENT, Aetna denied us coverage for our son to have a BAHA,” said Anne.  While Luca was provided with a temporary loaner BAHA, Luca’s parents knew they needed to find help for Luca so he could hear better.

With their insurance coverage through Aetna not covering audiology visits or a BAHA, Anne and Robert applied through Ear Community for help with obtaining a BAHA for Luca.  On June 6th, 2015, Luca was fitted with an Oticon Medical Ponto Plus Power to help him hear better.  Anne and Robert have noticed already that “Luca has begun starting to mimic words a lot more now vs mostly just signing like he was before!”  Anne mentions that “while Ear Community (and Melissa) have already provided us with more emotional support and educational resources than we could have ever asked for, we are extremely grateful for also receiving help for Luca by being able to obtain a BAHA for him so he can hear better, thank you!”

A very special thank you to Alan Raffauf, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon Medical US, for choosing to donate a new Oticon Medical Ponto Plus Power BAHA w/streamer to Ear Community so that it could be donated to little Luca to help him hear better and so that he could hear the sounds of life that will help him begin speaking more. Thank you for everyone’s support and for helping Ear Community continue with its mission of helping individuals with Microtia and Atresia. Oticon Medical believes in helping individuals with hearing loss so that they can live a better quality of life. Oticon Medical is a well respected international hearing device manufacturer that is a part of the “William Demant Group [which has] 100-plus years of experience in audiology and sound processing and established manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.”All of us here at Ear Community are so happy for Luca being able to hear better with his new Oticon Medical Ponto Plus Power.  We are even more excited to hear that Luca is beginning to talk more and be given the chance to experience a life with sound.   “This is just the beginning of how bright your future will be from here on out…good luck to you in your future Luca and enjoy all of the sounds of life around you!” – Melissa Tumblin.

Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director
Ear Community
www.EarCommunity.org

Annika Silang-Ferrer, born with Microtia and Atresia of her right ear, age 4.5, wearing her new Oticon Medical Ponto Plus

Meet Annika Silang-Ferrer from the Philippines. Little Annika is 4.5 years old and was born with grade III Microtia and Atresia of her right ear. Annika is a beautiful girl who is very happy and has one of the brightest smiles you will ever see. Annika looks forward to everyday and carries on playing with her older brother Alec, who thinks the world of his little sister.

When Annika was born, Annika’s parents, Alex and Grace, were surprised that she was missing her right ear. From the moment Alex and Grace left the hospital with Annika, following her birth, they both agreed that they “would mold Annika into a person with good values, with self-confidence, and full of love.” Alex and Grace focused on making sure that Annika would have everything she would need in life. They advocated for her and made sure that she had all of the right hearing tests conducted. Annika’s audiology results determined that she had a moderate to severe hearing loss (65dB) in her right ear and she was immediately scheduled for a BAHA fitting, but after learning that no further hearing tests were required at her age at the time, they stopped seeing her audiologists, especially since they could not afford the recommended BAHA that was suggested (in 2011). Annika’s parents were struggling financially and were encouraged to apply for medical assistance in the Philippines, but they were not able to qualify because they had an income, even though this income just barely covered their rent and expenses….they were considered over qualified.

Over the years, Annika’s parents learned to accept that they had to just let Annika grow up without a BAHA. As parents, they knew that they would do anything to help provide for Annika and it broke their hearts that they were unable to do something about getting her a BAHA that she needed, but they just did not know what to do….until they came across Ear Community. Not only did Annika’s family find support through Ear Community, but they also learned about the application process for obtaining a BAHA and so they applied. With Annika beginning school this coming June, they worried how she would get along because of her hearing loss. Alex and Grace focused on saving money for their children’s schooling and just didn’t have anymore funds available for a BAHA for Annika.

On April 16^th, 2015, Annika was fitted with a new Ponto Plus processor w/streamer from Oticon Medical. The sounds that Annika heard while being fitted with her new BAHA made her smile even brighter than ever! “It was a whole new experience for her,” said her mother Grace. Many medical professionals and organizations came together to help make Annika’s special hearing day possible. Ear Community would like to thank Izovelle (Icee) Pieda of Oticon Medical for traveling across the Philippines to help with Annika’s fitting and for helping program her new Ponto Plus. Dr. Leah Tantoco, one of Annika’s audiologists, also helped with Annika’s fitting on her special day. A very special thank you to Tine Schou, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon Medical Denmark, who helped put Ear Community and Dr. Leah Tantoco in touch with Izovelle Pieda (of Oticon Medical) for the fitting. A very special thank you to Alan Raffauf, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon Medical US, for choosing to donate a new Oticon Medical Ponto Plus w/streamer to Ear Community so that it could be donated to little Annika to help her hear better and so that she could thrive in school this upcoming June. Thank you for everyone’s support and for helping Ear Community continue with its mission of helping individuals with Microtia and Atresia. Oticon Medical believes in helping individuals with hearing loss so that they can live a better quality of life. Oticon Medical is a well respected international hearing device manufacturer that is a part of the “William Demant Group [which has] 100-plus years of experience in audiology and sound processing and established manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.”

“Annika, we wish you the very best with your new Ponto Plus and we know that you will do great in school with your classmates,” stated Melissa Tumblin, Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community.

www.EarCommunity.org