Ear Community Presents at the 2013 Educational Audiology Conference…

July 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

image003On June 28th, 2013, Melissa Tumblin, Founder and Exeuctive Director of Ear Community, presented at the Educational Audiology Association in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Montelucia Resort. The EAA invited Melissa to present about Microtia and Atresia and unilateral hearing loss at the conference. The course was presented over a 1.5 hour duration and was offered to audiologists and other medical professionals for 1.5 CEU contact hours of credit while at the conference. In addition to educational audiologists who sat in on the session, clinical audiologists, psychologists, educators of the deaf and hard of hearing, and speech therapists also listened to the presentation. Audiologists and various medical professionals attended the EAA conference from all over the United States including other countries as well such as Australia.

Following the presentation, many attendees who listened to the presentation did come up and speak with me asking additional questions in regards to Microtia and Atresia. The presentation was well received overall. In fact, one Psychologist told me that she was specifically sent to the EAA conference in order to attend my presentation. That was quite an honor. Dr. Michael Macione, the past president for the EAA also stated “Our group really “gets” what you are doing [Melissa] and in the future if there’s anything you need, please let us know. The feedback from your session was very positive. Thank you for putting in the time to speak with us.” It was an honor to have been invited to speak about Microtia and Atresia and unilateral hearing loss at this year’s EAA.

While attending the EAA conference, I was also able to meet many audiologists whom I have been speaking with over the past three years and finally meet them in person. One individual in particular that I finally had the opportunity to meet in person was Dr. Linda Cox, who has really taken Ear Community and myself under her wing. Dr. Cox is an audiologist who is specialized in educating the deaf and hard of hearing. Dr. Cox is also an Advisory Board member for Ear Community and continues to help promote awareness for the Microtia and Atresia community by sharing information on Ear Community’s website with colleagues and various professionals within the audiology industry. Below are pictures of some of the wonderful audiology professionals who have helped mentor me over the years and who helped me understand hearing loss regarding my own daughter’s Microtia and Atresia.  I was also able to meet up with a Microtia and Atresia family whom I have known for the past couple of years.  It was so nice to finally meet Tom and Sarinah Tran and their beautiful daughter, Emma, who was born with Microtia and Atresia and has had Medpor ear reconstructive surgery along with canalplasty surgery.  Here is the link to the EAA website showing the line up of speakers at the conference that took place over June 27th and June 28th: http://www.edaud.org/displayconvention.cfm?conventionnbr=11594

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

Thanks so much,Melissa Tumblin Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community Helps Its First Family With Financial Assistance

June 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Ivy Welsh, age 13, waiting for new ear

Ivy Welsh, age 13, waiting for new ear

When Ivy Welsh was six years old, she wanted so badly to have a big girl ear because Ivy was born with Microtia and Atresia of her right ear.  When Ivy’s mom, Nicole, had found a doctor who said he could make her a beautiful ear, she was very excited and couldn’t wait for her surgery to begin.  At the age of six, Ivy began her first of seven surgeries for a Rib Graft ear.  As each stage of surgery went by, Ivy was hopeful that her new ear would begin looking better and better.  However, by the seventh stage of surgery, Ivy and her mom, Nicole, realized that her ear didn’t look like what they were expecting or what the doctor had promised.  This is when Ivy’s family realized that Ivy had a botched ear.

For the past seven years, Ivy has cried herself to sleep wishing and praying for a new ear, but her family couldn’t afford another surgery.  “When Ivy was younger, she used to ask Santa for a new ear and she would also ask the Easter Bunny too for a new ear until she figured out they couldn’t do it,” says Nicole Welsh.  “Ivy would cry terribly after her surgeries and the kids were so harsh to her by teasing her about her ear over the years.”  During the last four years, Ivy has prayed and told her church that some day she hopes God will help her get a new ear.  On June 17th of this year, Ivy’s prayers will be answered and her wish for a new ear will be granted as she is scheduled for Medpor surgery with Dr. Sheryl Lewin.  Dr. Lewin’s foundation, Earicles – Miracles for Ears will be helping finance Ivy’s surgery.  Ear Community is proud to help Ivy and her family with airfare and rental car expenses during her surgeries for her new Medpor ear.  Debrah Henderson of the surgery office, K and B Surgical Center, was also able to help Ivy’s family find a place to stay for free during her surgery.  Together, the community has managed to come together for Ivy’s family and help one little girl’s wish come true for a second chance to get a new ear.

Even though Ivy’s new ear may require more than one or two surgeries to remove the Rib Graft ear and create a Medpor ear for her, the family is thankful for this second

Ivy Welsh, with her mom, Nicole Welsh

Ivy Welsh, with her mom, Nicole Welsh

chance for Ivy.  The Welsh family will be away from their home for nearly one month for the first stage of surgery and will most-likely require additional trips to California for her final procedures over the next year.  Nicole Welsh has been a member of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group, founded by Melissa Tumblin, for over three years and was the second member to join the group searching for answers and help for her daughter’s botched ear.  “Ivy’s story was one of the very first heart breaking stories I learned about when I first started my support group in 2010,” says Melissa Tumblin.  “I am overwhelmed with tears of joy that Ear Community can take part in helping Nicole and Ivy get a second chance for a happier life with a new ear.”  “The funding for the Welsh family’s travel expenses would not be possible if it were not for the amazing donations that have come through Ear Community from families and organizations who believe in helping give back to the Microtia and Atresia community,” says Melissa Tumblin.  The Welsh family does not have insurance coverage and has tried to fund raise over the past years, but have not been as successful as they had hoped.  “I have watched the Welsh family grow over the past years as they have struggled financially.”  “I am happy that this opportunity is finally happening for them,” says Melissa Tumblin.

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

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community Proudly Announces Its Advisory Board Members

June 5, 2013 By 1 Comment

On May 18, 2013, Ear Community proudly announced who the members are for its Advisory Board.  “It has been a privilege and an honor to get to know each one of our Advisory Board members over the past three years and I am proud to have established such an amazing professional relationship with each and every one of them” says Melissa Tumblin, the Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community.  Each Advisory Board member realizes how important Ear Community is to both medical professionals and to the families and individuals with Microtia and Atresia.  Each medical professional on Ear Community’s Advisory Board have given Ear Community an amazing amount of support ranging from informing their patients and colleagues about Ear Community, to participating in Ear Community’s global picnics, and in helping Ear Community promote awareness through sponsored presentations and webinars.  Every single one of the doctors and certified medical professionals on the Advisory Board believe in helping both children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing have the best quality of life.  It is very important for Ear Community to retain the relationships established with medical professionals in order to provide current, up to date content on Ear Community’s website recognizing the options that are available to children and adults who have Microtia and Atresia.  It is also pertinent that Ear Community have a close relationship with top medical professionals in the industry in order to continue to provide factual information and in order to remain unbiased.  I am relieved and thankful for the amount of support and acceptance that Ear Community has received from the medical/healthcare industry.  It has always been Ear Community’s hope to not only make things easier for the next family who has a child born with Microtia and Atresia, but to also partner with medical professionals so that together, we may provide the best quality of life and care for individuals within the Microtia and Atresia community.  As Ear Community continues to grow, I look forward to adding additional medical professionals to its Advisory Board from around the world.  Thank you for your support!

The following medical professionals are who make up Ear Community’s Advisory Board:

Dr. Arturo Bonilla, M.D.

Dr. Arturo Bonilla, M.D.

Dr. Arturo Bonilla, M.D. is a board certified Otolaryngologist ENT.  Dr. Bonilla represents the option for outer ear reconstructive surgery regarding the Rib Graft surgical technique on Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Bonilla  is a pediatric microtia repair surgeon and is also the Founder of the Microtia Congenital Ear Deformity Institute in Texas (USA).  Testimonial – “The Ear Community family and nonprofit has transformed the way parents who have children with microtia and atresia communicate with each other.  Ear Community offers extremely informative and unbiased options for families seeking help. I am honored to be on the advisory board.”

Dr. Linda Cox, Au.D., CED

Dr. Linda Cox, Au.D., CED

Dr. Linda Cox, Au.D, CED is an Educational/Pediatric Audiologist and Deaf Educator (ToDHH).  Dr. Cox represents professional educational audiologists and educators for the deaf and hard of hearing on Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Cox is a member of and the Treasurer for the Educational Audiology Association (EAA), an international organization of Audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings.  Dr. Cox is also the owner of Audiology Services in Florida (USA).  Testimonial – “I wholeheartedly endorse the Ear Community as a warm and supportive community for individuals who were born with Microtia and Atresia and hearing loss.  All Audiologists should consider making the Ear Community website the “Go To” place for a support community for individuals and families regarding their options for managing hearing loss and minimizing its negative impact on daily life through technology and/or reconstructive surgical options.”

Greg Gion, MMS, CCA

Greg Gion, MMS, CCA

Greg Gion, MMS, CCA is a certified clinical Anaplastologist representing anaplastology professionals and the option for prosthesis on Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Greg is the Founder of the Medical Art Prosthetics Clinic and is on the Board for Certification in Clinical Anaplastology (BCCA) and in recent years has served as chairman of the Committee on Eligibility.  Testimonial – “Ear Community founded by Melissa Tumblin fills a large whole in the body of information that is currently available to individuals with Microtia, young or old.  Real experiences and feelings, shared by patients or families faced with the same decisions about treatments or by others who already live with the outcome of a particular treatment provide that additional dimension that helps make a more comfortable well-informed decision.”

Dr. Russell Griffiths, M.D. is a board certified Plastic Surgeon for Microtia repair.  Dr. Griffiths represents the option for ear reconstruction specialists practicing both the Rib Graft and Medpor surgical techniques.  However, Dr. Griffiths represents the unique option as a medical professional practicing both the Rib Graft and Medpor surgical options in which either one can be achieved in just one procedure for outer ear reconstruction surgery.  Dr. Griffiths is the Founder of Boise Plastic Surgery.  Testimonial –   (additional commentary will soon be added)…

Dr. Bradly Kesser, M.D.

Dr. Bradly Kesser, M.D.

Dr. Brad Kesser, M.D. is a board certified Otologist, Otolaryngologist, and Neurotologist ENT.  Dr. Kesser represents the option for canal repair (atresia repair/canalplasty) for Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Kesser is a member of the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia (USA) where he specializes in congenital ear disease (aural atresia), hearing loss, dizziness and balance disorders, skull base tumors, acoustic neuroma, and chronic ear disease including cholesteatoma including the implantation of hearing devices.  Testimonial – “Words of Wisdom…Ear Community is just that – a community of patients, families, and advocates for children and adults alike with microtia/atresia.  It is a valuable online resource putting patients and families together – both virtually and physically – to discuss experiences, joys, disappointments, options, and technologies in the arenas of hearing rehabilitation, microtia surgery, and atresia repair.  Thank you, thank you for providing this support to families. It is through sites like yours and people like you that families get accurate and important information about how best to take care of their little loved ones.  My sincere appreciation to you for what you have done.”

Dr. Sheryl Lewin, M.D.

Dr. Sheryl Lewin, M.D.

Dr. Sheryl Lewin, M.D. is a board certified Plastic Surgeon for Microtia repair.  Dr. Lewin represents the option for outer ear reconstructive surgery regarding the Medpor surgical technique on Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Lewin is the Founder of Earicles, Miracles for Ears, a nonprofit organization that helps children with surgery who are born with Microtia.  Dr. Lewin also has her own practice called Aesthetic Ear Reconstruction in California (USA).  Testimonial – “I am honored to serve on the Board of Advisors for Ear Community.  Prior to the development of the Ear Community website, it was a very difficult process for someone with Microtia/Atresia or their loved ones to become educated about all of the issues and options surrounding this condition. The Ear Community took on that challenge in a thoughtful and all-inclusive way to create a true online community providing support and education to fill the large void that currently exists in the medical community with respect to information about Microtia and Atresia.”

Dr. John Reinisch, M.D.

Dr. John Reinisch, M.D.

Dr. John Reinisch, M.D. is a board certified Plastic Surgeon for Microtia repair and is the pioneer of the Medpor surgical technique for outer ear reconstruction.  Dr. Reinisch represents the option for outer ear reconstructive surgery regarding the Medpor surgical technique on Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Reinisch has his own private practice called Reinisch Plastic Surgery in California (USA).  Dr. Reinisch’s work is further supported by a wonderful nonprofit organization called the Small Wonders Foundation (founded by parents) by helping finance surgeries and provide emotional support to families who need surgery that Dr. Reinsich can help accommodate.  Testimonial – (additional commentary will soon be added)…

Dr. Joseph Roberson, M.D.

Dr. Joseph Roberson, M.D.

Dr. Joseph Roberson, M.D. is a board certified Otologist, Otolaryngologist, and Neurotologist ENT.  Dr. Roberson represents the option for canal repair (atresia repair/canalplasty) for Ear Community’s Advisory Board.  Dr. Roberson specializes in congenital ear disease (aural atresia), hearing loss, dizziness and balance disorders, skull base tumors, acoustic neuroma, and chronic ear disease including cholesteatoma including the implantation of hearing devices.  Dr. Roberson is the CEO and Managing Partner for the California Ear Institute (USA).  Dr. Roberson is also the Founder and President of the Let Them Hear Foundation, a nonprofit medical organization that is passionate about bringing the gift of hearing to those living in silence in the U.S. and around the world.  Testimonial – “Parents and patients are almost always faced with a need to efficiently gather accurate facts in treatment decision making regarding A-M.  Fortunately for all of us, new options are available and will continue to emerge for years.  Ear Community is a wonderful place to discuss ideas, experiences and options with other parents and patients undergoing treatment – a valuable and wonderful resource for you.  I am honored to facilitate that process for any family or patient partnering with EC.”

Dr. Carolyn Smaka, Au.D.

Dr. Carolyn Smaka, Au.D.

Dr. Carolyn Smaka, Au.D., is the Editor-in-Chief for AudiologyOnline, a recognized leader in online professional development and career
center resources for audiologists and hearing care professionals worldwide.   Dr. Smaka represents professional audiologists on Ear Community’s Advisory Board along with the philosophy of helping children and adults who have hearing loss with emotional support and educating individuals on the  latest options in hearing device technology that can help provide a better quality of life.  Testimonial – “Ear Community is a one-of-a-kind resource that empowers families and gives professionals insight into the patient and family journeys and the psychosocial impact of microtia/atresia.  Fueled by the limitless passion and enthusiasm of its founder, Melissa Tumblin, Ear Community advances our collective understanding of microtia/atresia to help ensure the best possible outcomes for each individual.”

Thank you so much,
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook

Filed Under: Events, History

Now Available…A Helpful Course for Microtia and Atresia Families and Medical Professionals on Options and Experience

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

aosans_clra

 

Hello Everyone!
On, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, I presented an educational session through AudiologyOnline (sponsored by Oticon Medical) about Microtia and Atresia discussing all options that are currently available along with sharing my own experience with Microtia and Atresia after my youngest daughter was born with Microtia and Atresia of her right ear.  This presentation/session is FREE and available to anyone who is willing to learn more about Microtia and Atresia.  The session is titled:  Microtia and Aural Atresia:  A Parent’s Perspective and can be found under the course number:  #22454.  This course has been recorded and is available at the following archived link:  http://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/microtia-aural-atresia-parent-s-22454

This session was originally offered to medical professionals for 1 CEU contact hour of credit and was accredited in the following countries:  United States, Canada, Australia, UK, and for the International Hearing Society.  AAA/0.1 Intermediate; ACAud/1.0; ASHA/0.1 Intermediate, Professional; BAA/1.0; CAA/1.0; CASLPA/1.0; IHS/1.0; Kansas DHE, LTS-S0035/1.0

The following are reviewer comments made by medical and industry professionals who have listened to this presentation/session:

(4 stars)
Review by: Member on May 2, 2013
It’s important to hear feedback from parents/patients to learn how to improve care.
(4 stars)
Review by: Member on May 1, 2013
It presented a parent’s perspective which is often difficult and tedious to obtain.
(5 stars)
Review by: Member on April 29, 2013
A parent’s perspective is a refreshing change and she did it in a professional manner.
(4 stars)
Review by: Member on April 29, 2013
Great organization and delivery by an advocate. The presenter has lived the experience making it very relevant to all participating.
(4 stars)
Review by: Member on April 28, 2013
clear speaker, helpful “real-life” examples
(5 stars)
Review by: Member on April 24, 2013
that more children may benefit by the knowledge we share with each other.
_____________________________________________________________________
*  I will be speaking at the EAA Educational Audiology Association conference taking place on Friday, June 28th from 10AM to 11:30AM at the Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This presentation will offer 1.5 CEU credits to medical professionals who attend this presentation.  For more details about this conference, please visit:  http://www.edaud.org/displayconvention.cfm?conventionnbr=11594
*  I am thankful for both the medical and industry professionals and the Microtia and Atresia families I have been able to connect with over the past 3.5 years since my daughter was born.  I have learned from all of you and thank you for helping us find our way!  I hope to continue to help many others along their journey with Microtia and Atresia as well.  Thank you also to Oticon Medical and AudiologyOnline for believing in me and supporting a parent advocate.  Thanks for giving me the chance to help promote awareness, advocacy, and for just being given the opportunity to be listened to in hopes of making things easier for the next family who has a child born with Microtia and Atresia.
Thank you!
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook

 

www.EarCommunity.org

 

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community Kicks Off Its 2013 Microtia and Atresia Summer Family Picnics

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Hi Everyone!

This is Eva and Eva has Microtia and Atresia. Eva enjoyed Ear Community's Florida picnic while wearing her "Microtia Kids Rock" T-shirt and having fun blowing bubbles on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 in Orlando.

This is Eva and Eva has Microtia and Atresia. Eva enjoyed Ear Community’s Florida picnic while wearing her “Microtia Kids Rock” T-shirt and having fun blowing bubbles on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 in Orlando.  Eva was proud to wear her “Microtia Kids Rock” T-shirt to school the next day!

Ear Community is proud to host seven more Microtia and Atresia summer family picnics this summer around the world.  Last year’s picnics that Ear Community hosted took place in Canada and in the United States and helped bring almost 1,000 people together.  Ear Community’s picnics welcome Microtia and Atresia families and individuals (including Hemifacial Microsomia, Goldenhar Syndrome, and Treacher Collins families), medical professionals, and hearing device companies all at fun and stress free environments!  When everyone comes together at Ear Community picnics, attendees  are given the chance to share experiences with each other, meet someone in the same situation, have the kids come together and play, and also have the opportunity to meet with medical professionals and hearing device companies so we can get the facts and learn about all of your options.  Medical professionals include Microtia and Atresia plastic surgeons, ENTs, audiologists, therapists, and anaplastologists who mingle with us helping answer our questions.  The hearing device companies that participate in Ear Community’s picnics bring demonstration hearing devices for everyone to learn about and try on.  We are also thankful for their help in educating us on hearing loss and how bone conduction hearing devices can help improve the quality of life for our loved ones who are deaf and hard of hearing.  Most of all, families and individuals who have Microtia and Atresia can connect with each other knowing that they are not alone and that they can be a part of a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization that helps give back to the Microtia and Atresia community, Ear Community.

This year’s Microtia and Atresia Summer Family Picnics will take place in:
Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 27, 2013
Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, June 22, 2013
London, England on Saturday, June 29, 2013
Barcelona, Spain on Saturday, July 6, 2013
Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, July 13, 2013
Broomfield, Colorado on Saturday, July 27, 2013
Los Angeles, California on Saturday, August 10, 2013

Two of Ear Community’s summer family picnics will be in collaboration with Microtia surgeon conferences…
Our Los Angeles, California picnic will be in collaboration with Dr. Sheryl Lewin’s LAMAC (Los Angeles Microtia Atresia Conference) which will be sponsored by her nonprofit organization, Earicles – Miracles for Ears.  For details on attending and registering for this conference, please visit:  http://microtiaearsurgery.com/lamac  The Los Angeles conference will take place from Friday, August 9th through Sunday, August 11th.  Guest speakers will include Dr. Sheryl Lewin, Dr. Arturo Bonilla, Dr. Brad Kesser, Melissa Tumblin, along with additional expert medical professionals.  Family members who will be attending the Let Them Hear Foundation conference, http://www.atresiarepair.com/, will be bussed over to the Ear Community and LAMAC location at the Terranea Resort, http://www.terranea.com/

Ear Community’s Barcelona, Spain picnic will be in collaboration with a surgeon conference with guest speakers Dr. Antonia Claveria and Dr. Francisco Parri at the CosmoCaixa, http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestroscentros/cosmocaixabarcelona/cosmocaixabarcelona_es.html

Ear Community’s picnics are sponsored by the following organizations this year:

I look forward to seeing everyone come together at our Ear Community picnics this summer!  For a list of our picnic dates and details on how to contact a picnic host to RSVP to a picnic, please visit the following link:  https://earcommunity.org/2013-picnics-and-events/
Thanks.

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

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community and Oticon Medical Help Atlanta Boy Hear Better During the Month for Better Speech and Hearing

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Bear, 2 years old, BMA, wearing his new Oticon Ponto Pro Processor

Bear, 2 years old, BMA, wearing his new Oticon Ponto Pro Processor

Meet Bear.  Bear is two years old and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.  Bear was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia (born with Grade I Microtia of both ears and has no ear canals resulting in hearing loss).  Bear is a very bubbly little boy who enjoys exploring life everyday.  Even though Bear would carry on in his cute ways as any toddler would, Jenni and her husband, Trey, worried that he was not hearing very well.  At one time, Bear had a an older bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA) as a loaner unit and they realized that a device like this could help Bear hear better.  When, Jenni, Bear’s mom, realized that Bear wasn’t hearing everything she began researching how to obtain a bone conduction hearing device on a softband head band for Bear.  However, Bear’s family was denied insurance coverage for a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid).  For the past year and a half, Jenni has gone to a number of hearing clinics and met with a number of audiologists and ENTs trying to find a way to help Bear obtain a hearing device through their insurance provider.  Jenni even struggled to obtain a denial letter from multiple hearing clinics in order to even begin the appeals process with her insurance provider.  Frustrated and wondering how they would be able to afford to purchase a BAHA, Jenni applied through Ear Community seeking help for Bear.  On April 25th, Bear was fitted with his new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro processor.

Jenni and Trey Sheneman, pictured with Bear

Jenni and Trey Sheneman, pictured with Bear

Jenni and Trey have been members of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group for the past year and a half  and they knew that this support group was part of a nonprofit charity organization, called Ear Community, that was founded by Melissa Tumblin, a mother of a child born with Microtia and Atresia.  Today, Bear is hearing better than ever.  “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts” say Jenni and Trey Sheneman…  “Even though Bear has always had a great smile, his smile just seems brighter than ever before.”

While the Ear Community organization is proud to have donated Bear’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.”

Ear Community wishes to say a very special thank you to the hearing device professionals who were involved with helping Bear hear better.  Thank you to Dr. Erin Holman, Bear’s most recent audiologist who helped fit Bear with his new Ponto Pro processor and 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 Bear can hear the way life was intended.  Ear Community is also happy to have been able to help a child hear better just in time to celebrate the month of May which is Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Ear Community is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit charitable organization that helps the Microtia and Atresia community and was started by a mother of a child who was born with Microtia and Atresia.

Thank you from Ear Community and its Board of Directors!
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and the Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community to Present Microtia/Aural Atresia Webinar Through Audiology/Online on April 23rd

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

aosans_clra

 

AudiologyOnline – Webinar on Microtia and Aural Atresia
April 23, 2013 at 11AM Eastern Daylight Time
Session name:  “Microtia/Aural Atresia:  A Parent’s Perspective”
Course #22141

Melissa Tumblin, Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community has been invited to host a webinar session through AudiologyOnline discussing Microtia and Aural Atresia that will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11AM Eastern Daylight Savings Time (9AM MDT).  This session can be found under course #22141 and is called “Microtia/Aural Atresia:  A Parent’s Perspective.”  You can register for this session at the following link:  http://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/microtia-aural-atresia-parent-s-22141   This session is FREE to anyone who would like to simply learn more about Microtia and Atresia (parents, individuals with Microtia and Atresia, non-hearing loss professionals, teachers, etc…).  1 CEU contact hour will be given to hearing loss professionals who take the quiz for this course.  This CEU accredited session is sponsored by Oticon Medical.  Oticon Medical is a proud supporter of Ear Community and its mission to help families with Microtia and Atresia.  This session will be live and will be audio recorded and podcasted.  Professionals will have 7 days to take the this session and the quiz for 1 CEU if you are not available for the live session.  This session will be archived and can be listened to at anytime at the following link:  http://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/all/#/cp:oticon-medical .  AudiologyOnline is a recognized leader in online professional development and career center resources for audiologists and hearing care professionals worldwide.
For more information on AudiologyOnline, please visit:
http://www.audiologyonline.com/

Filed Under: Events, History

Sophono receives worldwide clearance of Alpha 2 device for MRI

April 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

sophono_logo_new

 

 

Hi Everyone!

As of April 12, 2013, Sophono, Inc.– manufacturer of abutment-free, implantable, bone conduction hearing devices – has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

With the clearance, individuals in the United States who have the Sophono Alpha 2™ System can undergo MRI – in both 1.5 and 3-tesla magnetic fields – without removing the magnetic implant. In January, the Sophono Alpha earned clearance for use in an MRI field for device wearers in Europe and other countries around the world by passing tests from ASTM International, the globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.

“Worldwide clearance of the Alpha 2 device for MRI gives patients and providers full assurance that the Sophono Alpha implant will not need to be removed should the patient need to undergo MRI testing at any point in the future,” says Jim Kasic , president and CEO of Sophono. “The absence of contraindications for MRI with the Sophono Alpha System is a great step forward for patients, as well as the physicians, audiologists and clinicians who serve those with hearing loss.”

SOURCE Sophono, Inc.

Thanks.
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130412/Sophono-receives-worldwide-clearance-of-Alpha-2-device-for-MRI.aspx

 

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community Is Proud To Award It’s First College Scholarship

March 28, 2013 By 2 Comments
Camilla Gilbert, BMA, Cincinnati, Ohio, Ear Community college scholarship recipient

Camilla Gilbert, BMA, Cincinnati, Ohio, Ear Community college scholarship recipient

Ear Community is proud to announce that Camilla Gilbert of Cincinnati, Ohio is the first recipient of an Ear Community college scholarship.  Camilla was born with Grade III Bilateral Microtia and Atresia and has never had reconstructive surgery.  Even though Camilla was born deaf, she says “fortunately my family was able to afford a bone conductor (hearing aid) so I could function in the “Hearing World.”  While growing up in a predominantly African American neighborhood, Camilla says “my peers and in some cases their parents, looked down on people with special needs…My vision is to educate individuals, that instead of teasing or looking down on people with special needs we need to build each other up.”  Camilla is currently working toward her degree in American Sign Language as an interpreter and then plans to earn her Masters Degree in Social Work.  Camilla plans on giving back to the deaf and hard of hearing community providing support to both deaf and hard of hearing children and their parents.  In Camilla’s community, there is only one residential school available to help children who are deaf and hard of hearing.  She says “some families are unable to afford the tuition and the deaf and hard of hearing community really needs more options in the city.”

Camilla’s goal is to develop a deaf and hard of hearing camp for the Greater Cincinnati area that will bring all members of this community together.  When Camilla is not focusing on work and school, she is spending time with her daughter.  Camilla is also the secretary of the Interpreter Training Program Club, a Volunteer Member of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), and has been a member of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group for the past 2.5 years.  Camilla currently maintains a GPA of 3.8 and she is looking forward to attending Ear Community’s Ohio Microtia and Atresia Summer Family Picnic this June.  Camilla’s scholarship is for $750.00 (USD).

Congratulations from all of us at Ear Community, Camilla and thank you for giving back to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Melissa Tumblin
Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Filed Under: Events, History

Ear Community and Oticon Medical Help Malaysia Boy Hear the Sounds of Life…

March 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Hazeeq, 2 years old, BMA, lives in Malaysia

Hazeeq, 2 years old, BMA, lives in Malaysia

Meet Hazeeq.  Hazeeq is two years old and lives in Malaysia.  Hazeeq was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia (born missing both ears and has no ear canals resulting in hearing loss).   Hazeeq doesn’t let his Microtia and Atresia bring him down though.  He loves playing with his two brothers and carries on just like any happy and healthy boy his age would.  In fact, Hazeeq sings and dances every chance he gets along with a little yelling back at his brothers when they play.  However, Hazeeq is currently delayed in his speech due to having hearing loss in both of his ears.

Hazeeq’s mom, Nurzaihana (Hana for short), worries about his academic and social development because of his hearing loss and speech delay.  When Hana found out about a hearing device that could help her son hear better she was relieved, but in Malaysia, there is no insurance coverage for hearing devices and hearing devices can be expensive depending on a families income.  Hana and her husband, Helmy Norman, did their research though and found the Microtia and Atresia Support Group (Founded by Melissa Tumblin) 2 years ago and began learning about hearing loss, potential speech delays, and how a bone conduction hearing device could help Hazeeq hear better.  Since Hana and Helmy were already members of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group, they knew that this support group was part of a nonprofit charity organization, called Ear Community, that was also founded by Melissa Tumblin, a mother of a child born with Microtia and Atresia.  When Hana and Helmy discovered that Ear Community may be able to help them obtain a hearing device for Hazeeq, they applied with hope and prayer.

On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, Hana took Hazeeq to his audiologist where he was fitted with two brand new Oticon Ponto Pro sound processors complete with a soft band head band.  During Hazeeq’s fitting, his eyes lit up as he was switched on and Hana was filled with tears of joy.  Hana says “these pontos blend perfectly with Hazeeq’s hair colour, …I just love the colour of both band and processors!”  So far, Hazeeq is enjoying hearing the sounds of life and Hana says “after one week of wearing his new Pontos, he keeps asking ‘apa ni?’ (what’s this?) of everything he sees!”

While the Ear Community organization is proud to have donated Hazeeq’s new Oticon Medical Ponto Pro sound processors and soft band head band, 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.”

Ear Community wishes to say a very special thank you to the hearing device professionals who were involved with helping Hazeeq hear better.  Thank you to Hazeeq’s audiologist for donating her time to help Hazeeq with his fitting and thank you for listening to Hana when she was concerned about his hearing and speech delay.  Thank you to Patrick Tan who helped receive and program Hazeeq’s new Ponto Pros.  While Patrick is an employee of Oticon in Malaysia, he is not an employee of Oticon Medical (the division for BAHA products) as Oticon Medical products are not yet marketed in Malaysia.  Still, Patrick’s passion for wanting to help a little boy hear better led him to voluntarily working closely with Oticon’s sister company, Oticon Medical, to make this donation and fitting possible.  Thank you to Alan Raffauf, Oticon Medical’s Vice President of Marketing, for donating these new sound processors and for wanting to give back to the Microtia and Atresia community through the Ear Community organization.  Alan made sure Hazeeq’s processors were shipped from the United States and helped offer assistance to Patrick through Oticon Medical’s customer support center for the programming.  Ear Community applauds the passion and effort that was involved with these individuals in bringing two countries together in order to help change one little boy’s life forever, so he can hear again the way life was intended.

Ear Community is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit charitable organization that helps the Microtia and Atresia community and was started by a mother of a child who was born with Microtia and Atresia.

Thank you from Ear Community and its Board of Directors!
Melissa Tumblin
Founder and the Executive Director of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group

Filed Under: Events, History
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