The New Ponto Plus and Streamer

Oticon Medical launches new Ponto Plus family of bone anchored sound processors

Better hearing when patients need it most – new powerful transducer, Inium feedback shield, and new wireless possibilities

In 2009, Oticon Medical advanced bone anchored hearing systems into the world of digital hearing technology. Now, the company brings significant new improvements to patients with conductive hearing loss and single sided deafness with the introduction of its new sound processor family, Ponto Plus.

Built on the Inium platform, the latest chip technology from Oticon Medical’s sister company Oticon, the Ponto Plus family features a new powerful transducer, an efficient and innovative Inium feedback shield and the newest Bluetooth 2.4 GHz wireless technology, all designed to deliver better sound quality, less feedback and fewer artificial sounds. Innovative wireless capabilities make it possible to connect Ponto Plus directly to smart phones, to loop systems in public venues and to other modern communication devices to allow conversation, music and other sounds to transmit from the Ponto Streamer directly to the sound processor. In combination with Oticon Medical’s proprietary OptiFit™ and OptiGrip™ implant design concepts and the newest tissue-preserving surgical techniques, Ponto Plus creates exciting new possibilities for clinicians to increase long term prospects and well-being for both new and experienced users of hearing implant technology.

 The most advanced family of bone anchored hearing solutions ever

“Ponto Plus is the most advanced family of bone anchored hearing solutions ever,” says Oticon Medical President Jes Olsen. “We are bringing the newest innovations in sound processing to the hearing implant arena just six months after these new technologies were first introduced in conventional hearing aids. Our ability to rapidly advance bone anchored hearing solutions with new technologies, such as the powerful Inium platform, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to identify new competencies and methods that will empower physicians to achieve the best possible results for patients. By delivering more benefits to patients through superior sound quality, power solutions, connectivity options, tissue preserving surgery and other breakthroughs, we aim to significantly expand the market for bone anchored solutions.”

Addressing patient challenges

Available in regular (down to a hearing loss of 45 dB) and power versions (down to a hearing loss of 55 dB), Ponto Plus is the most powerful ear-level bone anchored sound processor family. The optimized design of the output transducer increases the maximum output in the mid and high frequency range to reproduce louder sounds so that users can enjoy more everyday sounds without the sounds becoming distorted.

The Inium feedback shield uses a variety of advanced signal processing tools to minimize feedback including, for the first time in a bone anchored hearing system, a novel frequency shift, designed to give Ponto Plus users less whistling and fewer artificial sounds as they move through changing sound environments throughout the day.

Wireless communication possibilities

Ponto Plus users can enjoy communicating in a wide variety of situations, all controlled through one user-friendly device. The addition of the new Ponto Streamer turns Ponto Plus into a wireless headset, connecting users wirelessly to a range of audio sources including TV, laptops, mobile and landline phones and other communication devices. A built-in telecoil allows the Ponto Streamer to pick up audio signals and send them directly to the sound processor so users can easily access loop systems in theatres, lecture halls and other public venues. Users can stream audio from remote microphones, which help in situations where the other person is far away or surroundings might be noisy, or both. The Ponto Streamer can also act as a remote control, creating an easy way for users to change programs or adjust volume, and built-in jacks allow simple connections to FM systems and computers.

Designed for an active life

Ponto Plus has been robustly designed to meet the challenges of active lives and everyday activities, and is IP57 certified. The durable and reliable design reduces wind noise and limits water, dust and debris from getting inside the processor. The housing is nano-coated to repel water. In addition to earning IP57 certification, Ponto Plus is CE marked and meets EU safety requirements.

Innovation at the forefront

“With new Ponto Plus, Oticon Medical continues to be a pioneer in creating innovative patient-centered solutions that address everyday quality of life challenges,” says Olsen. “Four independent comparative studies have shown us that two out of three patients prefer Ponto when compared to other sound processors. With Ponto Plus, we have created a second full family of sound processors that offers exciting new features designed to provide superior sound quality and enhanced communication possibilities in situations users need most. The Ponto Plus family introduces more reasons for people to consider bone anchored solutions for the first time or to upgrade from their current sound processors.”

Ponto Plus is now available in selected markets. Following FDA clearance, Ponto Plus will also be available in the US. For more information on bone anchored hearing solutions, Oticon Medical and the new Ponto Plus family, visit www.oticonmedical.com.  Again, the new Ponto Plus wireless system will be available in the US Market soon.  www.oticonmedical.com

Thanks!Melissa Tumblin
Founder of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Cochlear Americas Wireless Baha 4 Sound Processor

November 5, 2013…

“Cochlear is pleased to introduce the latest in bone conduction hearing — the Baha® 4 Sound Processor. It is the smartest, most advanced bone conduction sound processor ever created. In fact, at the heart of the new sound processor lies the powerful Ardium™ platform — three times faster, and with eight times more memory than the previous generation. And the power doesn’t go to waste. It drives sophisticated sound technologies, digital 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity and remote controls – perfect for anyone who is “on the go.”

Truly Wireless Means No Strings Attached
Extend your hearing experience with easy connectivity to a range of discreet Cochlear wireless accessories. The audio signals from your phone and even voices in a noisy environment will be broadcast right to your Baha 4 Sound Processor, just like it was an extra speaker. And there is no need for any wires, ear buds or additional accessories hanging around your neck – it’s truly wireless!

You Move, It Adapts
The Ardium platform powers our most intelligent signal processing technology, Baha PureSound(TM) iQ. It utilizes a scene classifier that constantly measures your acoustic environment and seamlessly selects the best settings for you. With the perfect combination of intelligence, usability and power, the Baha 4 Sound Processor makes it easy to focus on enjoying life’s finer moments.

Even Better Hearing Performance

The Baha 4 Sound Processor provides better hearing performance in noisy environments than our previous generation systems. This means you can enjoy an active life without missing a beat.

Contact a hearing specialist today to learn how you can test the Baha 4 Sound Processor so you can get a feel for how it will work for you.”

For more information about Cochlear Americas and Baha products, please visit the following link:  http://www.cochlear.com

Thanks!
Melissa
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook

On Saturday, October 19^th 2013, in San Diego, California, during the 3^rd Annual Oticon Medical Patient Advocacy Conference, Alan Raffauf (VP of US Marketing for Oticon Medical) proudly presented Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community, with an award in recognition for her advocacy within the Microtia and Atresia community and for the opportunities and events that the Ear Community foundation makes possible to families and their loved ones who are born with Microtia and Atresia who have hearing loss. “It is an absolute honor to have been presented with this award in recognition of promoting advocacy and education for the Microtia and Atresia community and for recognizing the Ear Community foundation for the opportunities it makes possible to these families globally,” says Melissa Tumblin. Oticon Medical has been a wonderful supporter and believer in the Ear Community foundation for the past 3.5 years, including when the foundation was previously known as the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook since 2010 (prior to becoming the 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization it is today). Ear Community Board of Director members, Angela Sabal and Justin Bays, also presented awards to Alan Raffauf, Tine Schou (VP of Marketing for Oticon Medical Denmark), and Curt Gorman (President of Oticon Medical’s US subsidiary) along with Melissa Tumblin, recognizing Oticon Medical for being a Platinum sponsor for the Ear Community foundation and for recognizing Oticon Medical for their passion and commitment to helping families with Microtia and Atresia learn more about hearing loss and hearing device options. “It is truly amazing to see such positive results and change when medical device companies come together with charity organizations helping give back to the community, together” says Melissa Tumblin. With the help of Oticon Medical’s Platinum sponsorship (along with additional sponsorships) to the Ear Community Foundation, Ear Community was able to bring 1,500 family members and medical professionals together this summer alone at its family events in England, Spain, and across the United States.

Pictures from the event follow below:

Thank you,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Educational Audiology Association

For audiologists and various medical professionals who are looking to obtain CEU credit, on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013, I will be presenting a webinar on Microtia and Atresia that is sponsored by the Educational Audiology Association.  This presentation is 1.5 hours in length and will take place during 12pm NOON to 1:30PM (MDT/Colorado Time).  This course is worth .15 contact hours.  The name of the course is:  “Psychological Aspects and Current Options for Patients with Microtia and Atresia.”  EAA Member Registration $30 (includes CEUs) and Non-Member Registration $69 (includes CEUs).

Here is the direct link to registration with details for this course:  http://www.edaud.org/cde.cfm?event=416646

The Educational Audiology Association is an international organization of Audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings.  The mission of the Educational Audiology Association is to act as the primary resource and as an active advocate for its members through its publications and products, continued educational activities, networking opportunities, and other professional endeavors.

For more information about the EAA, please visit the following link:  http://www.edaud.org

I would like to thank the EAA for sponsoring this course and for inviting me to present on Microtia and Atresia.
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook

Lilly Byrd, BMA, North Carolina

Meet Lilly Byrd. This young spunky little girl was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia and has one of the prettiest smiles on earth. When Lilly was eight months old, she had her first cleft palate repair. Things were better for a while, but the hole in the roof of her mouth opened again. She then had her second repair at two and a half years of age. “What an improvement!…Lilly could now eat and drink without everything coming out of her nose,” says her mom, Melissa Bryd. Lilly was also able to blow and make sounds she could never make before. Lilly does receive speech therapy services twice a week and her speech is improving everyday.

Lilly’s mother explains, “for the first six months of Lilly’s life, we tried to get her a BAHA…Lilly was deaf without it.” “We have Medicaid and they would not pay for a BAHA for Lilly.” Lilly’s parents even appealed and they still could not obtain a hearing device for their little girl who was unable to hear out of both of her ears. Thankfully, they were able to obtain a BAHA through another foundation. Recently, Lilly’s BAHA had to be sent in for servicing and she has been without her hearing device for a while now. “What happens when Lilly is in school as she gets older? How will she be able to communicate and learn in school without falling behind, when her BAHA is not working?” wonders Melissa Byrd. Thankfully, Melissa was able to find help from a very nice mother she met through one of the support groups who lent Lilly her son’s BAHA until she was able to get her own BAHA back from being serviced. “Without Facebook and Ear Community I don’t know what I would do.” says Melissa Bryd. “Melissa Tumblin was the first person I ever spoke to with a child with Microtia. Melissa was a God send! I finally knew I was not alone. More importantly, Lilly was not alone.” says Lilly’s mom. Angela Sabal, one of Ear Community’s Board of Director members, has also helped Lilly’s mom realize that her daughter, Lilly, will be fine in life, as she fast forwards a head in time and imagines how Lilly will get along in life as she gets older. Melissa says, “Angela and her very inspiring daughter, Sarah (who was also born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia and is now 12 years old), have helped me in ways they will never know. Through Sarah, I could see that Lilly could do anything she wants with her life. Angela made me realize how important it is for Lilly to hear bilaterally.”

“Ear Community is always thankful when we are given the opportunity to help a family in need, especially when our foundation can help a child hear better.” says Melissa Tumblin, the Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community. “Melissa Bryd and her little sweet daughter, Lilly, have been members of our support group for the past three years now (known as the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook).” “In addition to Melissa having luck on her side when finding a foundation to donate Lilly’s first BAHA or when meeting the mother mentioned above who was willing to lend Lilly her son’s BAHA temporarily or meeting Angela Sabal so that Lilly’s mom could see that her daughter would be just fine as she develops from a little bundle of joy into a young girl…There are many positive sources at work here in the community. It’s people and organizations coming together to help someone.” says Melissa Tumblin. Ear Community wishes to thank Lilly’s audiologist, Dr. Megan Watson of Asheville Head, Neck, and Ear, for donating her time and services to help program Lilly’s new Cochlear BP100 Baha and for helping fit her during her appointment. I would like to especially thank Bobbi Scheinin of Cochlear Americas for donating a new BP100 Baha to Ear Community so that the foundation can help children hear better like Lilly. “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,
Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community
and
Ear Community Board of Directors

Laura Lopez, BMA, Salem, Oregon

Meet sweet Laura Lopez. Laura is from Salem, Oregon (United States) and is a Spanish speaking 13 year old who was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia. Laura enjoys spending time with her family and is excited about becoming a teenager. Laura is a happy girl with a beautiful smile who lives for everyday because she realizes how precious life is. Laura and her brother Francisco, had a third sibling who was also born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia, but their sister only lived for two months. As a reminder of the loss of their other daughter, Laura’s parents, Ruben and Cellina, realize how important it is for their Laura to be able to live life to its fullest, now. Laura began experiencing problems with her hearing, preventing her from learning in school. At Laura’s last audiology appointment, it was discovered that her hearing was deteriorating and her Cochlear Divino processors were no longer working and had been experiencing intermittent problems over the past couple of years. However, being able to purchase new processors for Laura was unlikely as Laura’s parents struggle every month to pay the rent, put food on the table, and continue to pay the hospital bills from the loss of their daughter. They also do not have insurance coverage and do not receive any help from the government.

 Dr. Joann Clinton at Willamette Education Service District is Laura’s audiologist and she wanted to help Laura hear better so she could be given the chance to continue learning in school just as every child should be given. Dr. Clinton found out about Ear Community and quickly notified Laura’s parents, Ruben and Cellina Lopez. Laura’s parents applied to the Ear Community Foundation in hopes of obtaining new hearing devices for their Laura. “Ear Community is proud to be given the opportunity to donate its first set of new Cochlear BP110 Power processors to Laura, so she can hear now and always, getting the most out of life.“ says the Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community, Melissa Tumblin. This August, Laura was fitted with her new power Bahas and is relieved to hear again. Dr. Clinton said Laura’s family “invited their neighbors, herself, and Laura’s teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Gretchen, to have dinner at their home celebrating Laura’s hearing. “They even did a little demonstration of how Laura’s new Bahas sounded. Everyone had a good time and there were even a few tears of happiness throughout the night. It was such a happy day for Laura and her family.” said Dr. Clinton. “These are the moments that remind us of why it is so important to have charities for the communities and individuals who need them.” says Melissa Tumblin. Bobbi Scheinin, Senior Product Manager for Cochlear American’s Baha division, wanted to make sure that Laura received her new Bahas in time for school to start and so together, we did.

Thank you to everyone for helping make this all possible for Laura. Dr. Clinton, Bobbi Scheinin of Cochlear Americas, and Ear Community were happy to collaborate and help a young lady with Microtia and Atresia hear life the way it was intended. A special thank you to Cochlear Americas for donating the two new processors because Laura would not be hearing today if it were not for wonderful products manufactured by companies, such as Cochlear Americas, who respectively donate quality hearing devices to charity organizations, like Ear Community. “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.”

A special thank you to Bobbi Scheinin at Cochlear for collaborating with Ear Community so it can donate hearing devices that help children and adults who are born with Microtia and Atresia. Bobbi and the Cochlear team have been a huge supporter for Ear Community for the past 3.5 years and Laura is Ear Community’s first Cochlear Baha recipient. Thank you from all of us at Ear Community for your compassion and for supporting the Microtia and Atresia Community. Below are some additional pictures of Laura’s special day with her new Cochlear BP110 Power processors!

Thank you,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
and Ear Community’s Board of Directors

Fabrizio and Fabiano Vega Silvestre, BMA twins, Lima, Peru.

Meet Fabrizio and Fabiano Vega Silvestre from Lima, Peru. These two, adorable little one year old twins, are busy and on the go and are excited for their vocabulary to come in so they can start communicating. However, both Fabrizio and Fabiano were born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia. Fabiano was also born with a cleft palate. Living in Peru is amazing for both Fabrizio and Fabiano, but their family has limited resources and could not afford to purchase hearing devices for the twins once discovering that insurance would not provide them. Diana Silvestre Guierrez is Fabrizio and Fabiano’s mother. Diana says that her boys have severe hearing loss and the twins “need hearing devices urgently…as they currently are banging their heads with their hands and the doctor says [it is because] they need to communicate, [but are unable to due so] due to the deep silence in their lives.”

Even though Fabrizio and Fabiano’s family struggled with finding the funding to purchase BAHAs (also known as Osseo Integrated Devices) for their sons in Peru, their Aunt, Katty Palomino, who lives in Patterson, New York wondered if there was some way she could help the twins here in the United States. Katty Palomino went on line and researched foundations that help children born with Microtia and Atresia and found Ear Community. Katty reached out to Ear Community and applied for help for her nephews.

“Ear Community is honored to have helped Katty find a way to help her nephews hear better by awarding both boys with new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro bone conduction processors, a total of four hearing devices,” says Melissa Tumblin, Ear Community’s Founder and Executive Director. Alan Raffauf, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon Medical, saw the urgency needed to help these twins hear and quickly requested that the four Ponto Pro processors be shipped to Katty in New York so she could send them on to Diana for her twins. An organization in Peru, called CPAL, heard about the help that Katty and Diana had found for Fabrizio and Fabiano through Ear Community and agreed to also donate their time and services to program and fit the processors for the twins.  Katty stated, ” Thank you very much for changing Fabrizio and Fabiano’s lives.  This is a dream come true.  Thank you very much and God Bless you always.”

While the Ear Community organization is proud to have donated Fabrizio and Fabiano’s new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro sound processors and soft band head bands, none of this would have been possible without Oticon Medical donating these amazing hearing devices to Ear Community to begin with. 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.”

A very special thank you to Alan Raffauf of Oticon Medical for donating hearing devices to the Ear Community Organization. Ear Community would also like to thank CPAL for working together with Ear Community and helping Fabiano and Fabrizio hear better and be able to experience all of the beautiful sounds in life. Thank you Katty for the passion in your heart that lead you to finding a way to help your adorable little nephews abroad in Peru to hear better.  Fabrizio and Fabiano would not be hearing today if it were not for the efforts of everyone coming together who were involved.  All of this would not have been possible if not for the community coming together, both in the US and in Peru, finding a way to get these hearing devices to Fabrizio and Fabiano.

Thank you,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community

Monique Hernandez, LMA, Peoria, Arizona, Ear Community College Scholarship Recipient

Meet Monique Hernandez. Monique is an undergraduate student in her last semester studying Psychology at Arizona State University. Monique was born with Microtia and Atresia of her left ear. Monique has not had reconstructive surgery and is unaided.  Last year, Monique wasn’t sure if she would be able to complete her undergraduate degree because of not having the financial assistance to continue going to college. Monique applied to Ear Community and was named one of Ear Community’s college scholarship recipients and was awarded a scholarship that could help her complete her degree. Monique was also able to find additional funding for college through another helpful resource as well.

Monique plans to earn her Masters degree in Marriage and Family counseling. Monique would also like to work with Child Protective Services where she would be able to help with children and family interactions as a psychology counselor. Monique’s ultimate dream is to “help families with emotional and spiritual healing within her own business.” “Ear Community recognizes the importance of achieving a higher education and believes in supporting teens and young adults who wish to carry out their dreams by earning their college degree.” states Melissa Tumblin, Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community. Whenever funds are available, Ear Community is always proud to help individuals who have Microtia and Atresia with their education.” says Melissa Tumblin.

Monique enjoys challenging herself and believes in living the dream. One of her favorite quotes is the following from Bernard Edmonds, “To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” Ear Community is proud to have been able to help Monique by awarding her a college scholarship for $750.00 (USD). Monique was awarded her Ear Community scholarship just in time for her last semester of college this fall. All of us at Ear Community wish you the best of luck with your education and your dream Monique.

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

Joseph Patterson, the proud recipient of a new BAHA through Ear Community, from Oticon Medical

Meet Joseph, an active seven year old boy in St. Charles, Missouri. Joseph was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia in addition to being born with ASD. Right after Joseph’s first birthday, he had open heart surgery because of his ASD. Joseph’s lungs were also not fully developed as he was born four weeks premature. Joseph was on a jet ventilator for three weeks where his father Christopher was told that the ventilator he was on was “the most powerful ventilator a new born could be on.” Joseph spent many months in the NICU until he was ready to come home. Due to being on a ventilator for so long, Joseph developed an inversion to oral feeding and had to be put on a feeding tube. At the age of two years, Joseph was finally able to eat on his own.

As Joseph grew older, his parents were able to get him a trial BAHA over the years, but did not have insurance for covering a BAHA and because of additional medical needs, Joseph’s family was unable to purchase a BAHA for him to hear. Joseph’s father, Chris, found our Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook and discovered that the group was part of a nonprofit organization called, Ear Community. On Tuesday, June 25^th, Joseph was fitted with a new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro. Joseph’s audiologist, Dr. B. Danielle Robertson of St. Joseph’s Institute for the Deaf, donated her time to help Joseph with his programming and the fitting of his new processor.  Joseph’s family is also working with another nonprofit organization to help him obtain a second Ponto Pro so he can hear through both ears. Thank you Dr. Robertson for helping give back to the Microtia and Atresia community by donating your time to help Joseph hear better with his new sound processor.

 While the Ear Community organization is proud to have donated Joseph’s new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro sound processor and soft band head band, none of this would have been possible without Oticon Medical donating this amazing hearing device to Ear Community to begin with. 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.”

Thank you to Alan Raffauf, Oticon Medical’s Vice President of Marketing, for donating this new sound processor and for wanting to give back to the Microtia and Atresia community through the Ear Community organization. Ear Community applauds the passion and effort that was involved with these individuals in helping another child hear better, so Joseph can hear the way life was intended.

Ear Community is always happy to help give back to the Microtia and Atresia community.

Sincerely,
Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community
and Ear Community Board of Directors

Regan Lee wearing his new Ponto Pro BAHA

Meet Regan, a very sweet little boy who lives in North Dakota (USA) who is two years old and was born with Microtia and Atresia of his left ear. Regan was also born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a syndrome that affects about 1 in 20,000 to 40,0000 births. Regan has been through a lot including various medical procedures addressing his sight and limb complications, in addition to some speech delays and his hearing loss due to his Atresia.

Regan was given the opportunity to trial an Oticon Ponto Pro, last year, but his family could not afford to purchase a BAHA for Regan due to so many expenses going toward Regan’s other medical needs. In December of 2012, Regan’s parents, Brian and Sarah had their second son, Nolan. From the beginning, when Regan began trialing his BAHA, Brian and Sarah noticed that Regan“started to mouth more sounds and make noise indicating his likes and dislikes, something that was not so noted before the hearing device was added to his daily routine.” A little over one year later, Regan’s little brother, Nolan, was born and Regan’s parents realized that the BAHA would give Regan the opportunity to hear his little brother more. Regan’s parents noticed that he could “listen to his brother cry and coo, oftentimes at him. Regan also started to hum and rock his head when listening to music, especially when Sarah plays the piano” when wearing his trial BAHA.

Dr. Tricia Nechodom (left), with Sarah and her son, Regan (center), and Dr. Jerrica Maxson (right)

In May of 2013, Sarah and Brian found Ear Community on line and applied for their son Regan to obtain a bone conduction hearing device. On June, 27, 2013, Regan was fitted with his new Ponto Pro. Not only was Ear Community able to help donate a new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro to Regan to help him hear better, including his new little brother, but Regan’s audiologists, Dr. Jerrica Maxson and Dr. Tricia Nechodom of Trinity Health Center – West, donated their time to program Regan’s new processor and fit him with it. Dr. Maxson and Dr. Nechodom have both helped donate their time to help little Regan with his Atresia and the Trinity Health Center – West was proud to be able to partner with Ear Community and help another child hear the sounds of life. Thank you for your help in coming together as a community to help Regan and his family!

While the Ear Community organization is proud to have donated Regan’s new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro sound processor and soft band head band, none of this would have been possible without Oticon Medical donating this amazing hearing device to Ear Community to begin with. 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

Regan with his mom, Sarah, at his BAHA fitting

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.”

Thank you to Alan Raffauf, Oticon Medical’s Vice President of Marketing, for donating this new sound processor and for wanting to give back to the Microtia and Atresia community through the Ear Community organization. Ear Community applauds the passion and effort that was involved with these individuals in helping another child hear better, so Regan can hear the way life was intended.

Ear Community is always happy to help give back to the Microtia and Atresia community.  Sincerely,
Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community
and Ear Community Board of Directors