I was introduced to the Ear Community a few years ago from the medical doctor who reconstructed my right ear. Finding a nonprofit community that supports microtia, atresia, and hear loss was very personal to me since I have all three of those conditions. From day one, their founder and director, Melissa Tumblin, has been easy to communicate with and has been timely and supportive with any questions I've had and ways I can be involved. Recently, I attended one of Ear Community's picnic events in Eastern Idaho and was blown away by how well organized the event was and the breadth of individuals that attended. There were families from all over the country that traveled to this event, either for themselves or for their young children that have these conditions. Melissa and her local event coordinator did a great job facilitating family introductions to one another in order to help guide questions and get people talking with one anther about their conditions and to let others know that they're not alone. In addition, Melissa had several medical experts ranging from ENTs, to reconstructive ear surgeons, bone-anchored hearing aid manufacturers, a band, children's activities, and even a professional who designs glasses for microtia individuals. The event meant a lot to me and I think a lot of that had to do with how well it was organized and ran by the Ear Community. Separately, I love that the Ear Community continues to fight for legislative changes to support insurance provided bone-anchored hearing devices. Overall, I'm proud to continue supporting this organization for their efforts to bring awareness to the microtia, atresia, and hearing loss community.
In March of 1997, our beautiful son Max was born. He had bright blue eyes, wispy golden hair… and only one ear, as well as no ear canal. We learned that these congenital birth defects were called microtia and atresia. At the time, his pediatrician simply said, “Well luckily, he’s got another ear,” and so that’s how our family and Max considered his condition. It was just part of who Max was.
Max is now 28 and all of these years neither he nor we had ever met anyone else with microtia or atresia. Until 2024. Just last year, I inadvertently found a nonprofit on the internet called Ear Community that works with and advocates for children and adults with microtia and atresia, and that organizes community picnics every summer all around the country! Curious, my husband and I decided to go. Max was working and couldn’t come with us, so we attended the Ear Community conference and picnic in Minneapolis last year without him. It was our first time, and we found it to be incredibly informative, joyful, and extremely emotional (in a good way) after all of these years of feeling alone and isolated. We met both children and adults with microtia and atresia, heard doctors speak about current medical advances, and heard other families speak about their experiences. At one point I found myself talking with another mom, crying. I didn't even know why, other than being overcome with emotion to be surrounded by all of these children, adults, and families who were like us. We were not alone!
We left with a feeling of hope and optimism based on the various advances in technology and medical services that we learned about through this event. We plan to attend another picnic and conference, this time with Max along, so he can have the same wonderful experience.
Thank you to the irrepressible Melissa Tumblin and others working in the Ear Community for this wonderful resource. I do wish there would have been an Ear Community when our Max was born, but we are so appreciative and grateful that they are here now!
Growing up in a small, rural town with aural atresia & microtia in my right ear, there weren’t many resources or people around who knew much about the condition, and it was easy to internalize that lack of a community and knowledge-base. That changed when I found the Ear Community - I recall randomly stumbling on it while researching, and this discovery turned out to be one of the most positively impactful resources for me, especially in building my self-confidence. If I could write a letter to my younger-self, or share any advice to parents or children dealing with a similar condition, I would advocate that being part of a community is invaluable. It's one thing to be informed that there are other individuals who are managing a similar condition, but it's entirely different to actually engage and experience the support of such a community. For me, the Ear Community experience and its ability to spread knowledge, advocacy, support, and most importantly create a working group of shared experiences is a beautiful thing. Their stories have motivated me to learn more about what’s out there, not just the technical details regarding my hearing loss, but for the day-to-day details I had never even thought to recognize, general questions, and advice on overcoming the hurdles that come with it.
My parents and I have come to find the Ear Community to be a source of inspiration, with real info and genuine connections. Ally is a superhero, and Melissa T. has been a true mentor in my life. This is the type of group that values relationships and has the honest motivation to help and empower others. Because of how great my experience was, I now feel an obligation to give back and empower others as well. I am proud to be a member.
Thank you Ally, Melissa, and the whole team!
In 2019, we had our first baby. Everything seemed normal until we noticed her right ear being smaller than normal. The doctors at the hospital did not know why it was like that and didn’t know why her ear canal was closed either. Being a new mom and seeing that your baby has a congenial anomaly that doctors can’t explain sends you on an emotional rollercoaster and down a rabbit hole of google searches, looking for the answers the doctors didn’t have. While self researching, we discovered our daughter had Microtia Atresia, yet there wasn’t a whole lot of information about it. We happened to come across the Ear Community during this time and were fortunate to be able to speak with Melissa directly about Microtia and Atresia and connect with the Ear Community along with other families who are on a similar journey as ours. Speaking with Melissa and utilizing the information available from the Ear Community, we were able to advocate for our daughter, locate doctors who are familiar with her condition, have proper hearing testing done, and form a plan of action for better hearing with the help of a hearing aid. We also gained valuable information on what our future may look like should we opt for surgical reconstruction or a bone anchored hearing device. Without the Ear Community, I truly believe we would have been lost and not have been able to advocate as well for our daughter which could have led to speech delays, trouble with learning in school, and added stress to the family. The Ear Community has been essential for many families like ours in finding the necessary resources for our loved ones living with Microtia and/or Atresia. Not only do they provide support to families, they advocate for better legislation surrounding hearing solutions, provide aid to students entering college with Microtia, and assist families with obtaining proper hearing devices should insurance not cover the cost. They are an amazing non profit we are fortunate to have learned about!
Born with microtia, my experience was, at once, a normal way of life but also isolating. Until recently, the only other person I had ever met with microtia shared a hospital room with me at 8 years old when we had the same ear surgery. When I was introduced to Melissa and Ear Community, I was introduced to an international support system of shared experiences and information. What Ear Community has established is changing lives. Offering answers, hope, and support to families, Ear Community fills a very important need. It has opened up my world.
Ear Community has been an incredible resource for our family! When our son was born we were surprised by his microtia/atresia diagnosis. Having never heard of it before, my husband and I quickly began to research all we could to be more informed to support our son. Ear Community was one of the first resources to come up and we are forever grateful. This organization has developed a hub for trusted information for those learning about Microtia and navigating the different decisions to be made as a parent. Ear Community has also built an incredible community for those born with, parenting, or just love someone with microtia. Being able to connect with other parents who understand the joys and challenges of this diagnosis has been comforting. We love our son so much and being able to celebrate his uniqueness with others at the annual Ear Community Picnics brings our family such joy. We are grateful he will grow up meeting others who share his experience and feel celebrated for his rare difference. We look forward to continuing to support Ear Community for the amazing work they’re doing to raise awareness of the rare and beautiful difference of microtia.
What a great organization! Great resource for families and individuals. I have learned so much and Melissa is amazing at bringing people together. I cannot recommend this organization enough!
We reached out to Ear Community upon learning of our daughter's atresia/microtia diagnosis. We were met with an immediate reply from Melissa, which was so kind and full of helpful information. Later that week we had an individual call with Melissa, where she was an open book and provided a ton of resources for us to look into. We were so relieved to have found this group and know it is the start of a long relationship with the Ear Community.
-Lindsey, Ryan, and Brooke McDevitt
Melissa and Allie, you two are my rock stars! I have followed your journey since the week I began my own, 13 years ago! Thank you for being such a caring and informative advocate for children with microtia and our experience as parents. Connecting with ear community was the start of feeling less alone and overwhelmed (as we met so many kids with microtia doing great out there), and more empowered with information regarding microtia and treatment options.
I especially appreciate the planning you and your team do to bring our families together locally so we can share stories/advice and understand the latest advancements and medical resources in our area. We cherish the support and education you tirelessly provide to us!
Review from a parent of son with microtia.
Melissa is more knowledge about atresia and how it affects my life than my ENT and audiologist! She has connected us with Microtia and atresia individuals throughout the country so we can help and learn from each other. Ear community is a great non profit!!!! Ear community connected me with a ENT after my regular ENT retired. Melissa helped me consider a BAHA and talked about how my hearing loss affected my early development in school. She’s the best. Thank you Melissa!
Ear Community has been a wonderful resource to us in learning about our son’s microtia and atresia diagnosis. It is a small but mighty community but we have found peace and confidence through the information Ear Community has provided. They are doing great things to help so many across the country!
"Ear Community has been an invaluable source of support and resources for my family and me. As a parent of a child with hearing challenges, I've found solace, guidance, and a sense of community through their platform. Their dedication to providing the best future for my son is evident in the wealth of educational materials, access to cutting-edge technologies, and expert advice they offer.
Beyond the practical support, Ear Community goes above and beyond by organizing events where my son can feel truly embraced and celebrated. These gatherings not only foster a sense of belonging but also empower him to embrace his identity with confidence. Thanks to Ear Community, my son is not just overcoming obstacles but thriving, and for that, I am forever grateful."
Caitlin-
Son is Cash born with RMA and recent reconstructive surgery!
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My son was born with Microtia, and I had no idea the condition even existed, much less had all these resources available to me. I love having this organization to help me network with fellow moms of this condition to help support and ask questions of one another. It has been a tremendous source of knowledge on the condition, and we LOVE going to the picnics every year and meeting all the representatives of hearing devices and the new medical advances.
I discovered Ear Community after a fetal MRI revealed that my daughter had unilateral microtia and atresia. I wanted to be as educated as possible on the subject and my doctors had not seen cases, especially in utero. Having Ear Community has been very beneficial and has helped me learn about what the future will hold with my daughter, whether that be surgery or not. Hearing from others with similar stories has greatly helped my family!
In June of 2020, at 39 years of age I stumbled upon Ear Community on social media and immediately felt compelled to get involved. Growing up in the 80s and 90s with microtia and hemifacial microsomia there were no support groups or dedicated resources for our community and it was tough. Melissa has done such a great job lifting this community up and ensuring there is a dedicated resource for generations to come. Thrilled to be able to support this worthy community and ensuring that all persons impacted know there is HOPE and an army of support behind them.
Ear Community has been such a blessing to our family! Our 19 week-old son was born with microtia and atresia. My husband and I found Ear Community through a Google search shortly after giving birth in our hospital recovery room, when we had thousands of questions and were uncertain as to where to turn and what to do first. Ear Community has so many valuable resources for families, and I will never forget feeling as though I could breathe a bit easier knowing there was a place, a space, and others who were traveling a similar path. Melissa is an encyclopedia of wisdom with a tremendous heart regarding microtia and atresia. Shortly after bringing our incredible baby boy home from the hospital, I sent her an email, seeking support and guidance. Within three minutes (I am not exaggerating), she responded with her cell phone number and offered to chat. We spoke on the phone and not only did she provide hope, encouragement, and insight, but she also connected us with others with whom we could learn from. I am forever grateful that Melissa and her family has devoted so much time and energy into formulating Ear Community! It's an honor to be a part of such a wonderful organization
Ear Community is incredibly special to me and dear to my heart. Not only is it an amazing nonprofit, but the founder and Executive Director is one of the most important people to me and to the community. We have been working on Ally's Act, a bipartisan, bicameral hearing healthcare bill that would require private insurances to cover bone anchored hearing devices and cochlear implants from ages 0-64 since 2019! The experience has been amazing, and I have appreciated the team effort and camaraderie from everyone who has helped in this process. Ear Community is the most supportive environment I have ever encountered, and I hope it lives on for many, many years to come. I have experience with several nonprofits, but there are none that compare to this one. Thank you, Ear Community!
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I found Ear Community online while preparing for an upcoming cholesteatoma surgery. I emailed with Melissa Tumblin, founder and executive director for months before becoming a board member and active advocate for EC. EC has touched my heart and helped me in more ways than I can explain. Meeting an entire group of amazing and strong individuals who have Microtia and Atresia was both inspiring and heart-warming for me. Because of EC I was able to try on multiple bone anchored hearing devices and realizing how much I was missing out on in my life, I am in the process of applying for one! Attending the picnic in Nashville this summer was a priceless experience, and I cannot wait until then next summer to attend another. Melissa has given me the opportunity to vote on who is given hearing aids, who obtains college scholarships, responding and helping people within the support group, assisting in running and growing the EC Instagram page, and meeting with members of Congress to advocate for bone anchored hearing device insurance coverage. I love being involved and look forward to always being updated on Ear Community’s happenings. I absolutely love what Ear Community gives to everyone Involved, and I especially hope that EC can continue to grow so that we can do even MORE for all who have Microtia and Atresia. Ear Community is a big part of my life and makes a difference in the world. Thank you, Ear Community.
In 2008 my daughter was born with bilateral atresia and I did not know where to turn. I started searching the internet and found this phenomenal website Ear Community. This website helped me through a very difficult time and gave me all the support and guidance I needed. The Ear Community website is a wealth of information and it is outstanding for networking with physicians, families and resources. The Ear Community made me feel that I had a family and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Melissa Tumblin thank you so much for creating this website and sharing your journey as this website as this opened so many doors for me to support us on my journey.
The Ear Community is a wonderful nonprofit organization that has helped our family greatly. The annual picnic helped us connect with other local families navigating the same hearing journey as our young son.
The Ear Community is a great non profit and a wonderful resource. Our son was born with microtia and we had no idea what to do or expect. Melissa and the rest of Ear Community provide a friendly and knowledgeable resource with events throughout the year. We have learned so much and met others who can help guide and provide us with friendly advice and stories. Ear community has really helped my family and I learn more about something we truly knew nothing about. Thank you to the team that works hard to help others!
It is an amazing organization run by an incredible human (Melissa Tumblin), who is devoting her life to children and adults born with Microtia as well hearing loss. Her organization plays a major role in helping families with new information and connecting them with each other.
Ear Community is a shining example of an organization that goes above and beyond to transform the lives of children born without ears and those facing hearing loss. Their innovative approach, compassionate team, and unwavering dedication to empowering children are truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend supporting this non-profit organization, as they are making a significant difference in the lives of these extraordinary children and their families.
They are so caring and kind. they are honest and want to help you out. After meeting them I feel better. So great full for this community.
Wonderful community. Helped me find a great doctor.. invaluable to us struggling with our condition.
The Ear a community has been and continues to be a great resource for our family. When our son was diagnosed with Microtia Atresia at birth, our internet searches began to try and educate ourselves. The Ear Community page was easy to find and provided us so much information. Not only did it help educate us with the articles, personal stories, and videos, it also led us down a path to help find ways for our sons needed Bone Anchored Hearing Aid to be concerned since insurance will not cover it. This nonprofit page hosts community events to gather other families together to show support and provide meaningful connections with people that can help (BAHA manufactures, surgeons, etc.). In addition to providing information and connecting people together, The Ear Community also takes action, working to get Ally’s Act approved.
Ear Community was the only place my family, who is affected by bilateral microtia, was able to connect with peers with shared experiences, medical specialists and hearing aid manufacturers. The process of testing all of the hearing aids we saw at the event organized by Melissa would’ve taken many months and costly consultations if we hadn’t found this community.
I am a 70 year old woman who was born with Microtia and Atresia as I was born with an under developed ear and no ear canal!
7 years ago my precious grandson was born with Microtia and Atresia. He was born with a smaller under developed ear with a very small ear canal! Until he was born I never knew my under developed ear had a name!
70 years ago my parents had no guidance on how to navigate my situation with my ear as doctors had no information to share with them!
It was so wonderful to find the ear community group when my grandson was born! The information and guidance is invaluable! My grandson has so many more opportunities then I had and to be able to tap into the resources for information on hearing devices and assistance is so vital to his learning and success in life! I am eternally grateful to Melissa and Ally for their devotion and guidance in leading the way to a better life for the Microtia and Atresia community!
Hi,
I want to thank you for all the support and the amazing details that you take care of for my little girl.
We received a hearing device on 7th Feb. my daughter is much better with it.
It helped her through school. They even sent us a notice about her progress at classes.
We all as a family appreciate it.
When our son, Dustin, was born without his left ear, we were shocked and in disbelief that this was even possible. We worked closely with multiple doctors and specialists to have an official diagnosis and medical plan for his diagnosis, Goldenhar Syndrome, also known as Hemi-Facial Microsomia. As we pursued answers to our questions, and services to help him, we learned the importance of directional hearing for his safety and brain development to begin at a young age. Once again, we were shocked to find out that insurance would not cover a hearing device. By a miracle, we came across the Ear Community! We submitted Dustin's story and situation and he was selected to receive a donated BAHA hearing aid! This was his first hearing aid and it was a God Send! Because of Ear Community, Dustin learned directional hearing and his brain developed further throughout his toddler years. Additionally, we have met beautiful families in similar situations through the Ear Community's picnics. These are the only places where Dustin meets other kids that look like him. As a parent, there are no words to describe when your child who looks different form others, doesn't feel alone in this world. We are eternally grateful to the Ear Community . Their donation of a hearing device and their connection to other children, parents and families will forever play a role in our lives.
When our daughter was born with microtia, we had never heard of the condition and were completely overwhelmed with how to navigate getting her the best care. Ear Community provides thorough, accurate information in a warm and supportive community and Melissa made herself available to provide personal support, recommendations and reassurance. Five months later, we feel confident in our ability to advocate for our daughter and her ability to thrive.
My daughter was born with microtia and atresia of her left ear. The doctors and nurses weren't even familiar with her condition and told me to follow up with her pediatrician. Through a quick google search I was able to find "Ear Community" which was a wealth of information and resources. Not only was there so much information it was a non profit the next town over from mine. My daughter is now 5 and we have been able to connect with other families and children with the same condition and learn how we can support our daughter. They have supported crucial legislation for hearing rights and so much more-very grateful to have Ear Community!
When my son was born with Microtia in 2011, my husband and I had no idea where to find information or support. My midwives and pediatrician had never seen a child with Microtia and didn’t know how to support us. Although I saw my son as perfect just the way he was, I knew that I needed to find as many resources as possible to make sure he had every opportunity he would have with two hearing ears. It was through searching online that we found Ear Community. It was a simple Facebook support page run by founder Melissa at the time but that group quickly grew as more and more families discovered her invaluable page. She posted information about how to support our son, what questions to ask our doctors, how to advocate for services and a hearing aid with our insurance. Had it not been for Ear Community, we would have never known what codes to give our benefits department to get my son’s hearing aid covered. We would have never learned about our choices for cosmetic surgery, how to advocate for an IFSP, IEP, and now 504. We’ve met so many beautiful families at the picnics who have become friends to us. I can go on and on about how thankful we are for Ear Community but we would run out of space! So grateful to Melissa and all of her tireless work. God bless Ear Community.
Love Ear Community! My name is Chris and I have microtia and atresia of my left ear. I joined this community around one year ago, and have loved every moment of my involvement. It has been incredible to see this community come together and support new members with microtia or atresia conditions. Because microtia and atresia are relatively rare in the population, it can be a struggle to find friends and support groups that also understand life with microtia and atresia. Ear Community provides so much guidance, education, and support to all. In addition to the community, I have loved being a part of the legislative push to pass Ally's Act. Ally's Act would ensure that private insurance companies cover disintegrated hearing devices (OIDs) for those afflicted with hearing loss (like individuals with microtia and atresia). Could go on and on about this organization and the great things it is doing!
Ear Community has given my daughter and I truly valuable support. Right at a time when my young daughter with microtia wanted/needed to connect with other kids with the same, I found Ear Community. They organize picnics to bring together children with microtia and their families. This organizations provides resources about hearing aid options, surgical options, and medical care. They advocate for policy change for improved access to complete care for those with hearing loss. Altogether, an excellent non-profit. Thank you, Ear Community!
I am a mother of a child born with bilateral microtia with atresia and I can honestly say I would have been completely lost without the ear community. I had no idea what those things were or meant up until the day my daughter was born and laid on my chest. We noticed her ears looked very different but I was still in pure bliss and really didn’t care. As time went on in the hospital there worry set in, I had so many questions and no one there would answer them. It was left up to me and a google search which is never a good outcome. Luckily after doing some better digging once home and recovering, I found the ear community website. The first place that laid it all out plain and simple, for an average person to understand, and a letter towards new parents that made me feel safe to my core. When I read in more about Peoples experiences, stories, seeing the community picnic events that they put on. (We later got to attend one!!!) I felt like we found our people, our daughters and our families community. I could honestly go on and on but this community really made me realize I have a beautiful newborn that I need to enjoy and everything will be ok. And that is priceless.
Ear Community is active, helpful and resourceful. It has been and still is for us a crucial form of support and of information regarding all things microtia and hearing. I've gladly donated to this nonprofit myself to support their continued good work.
I recently had the honor and pleasure of attending one of the picnics for the Ear Community, serving as a photographer for the event, and had first-hand experience with the significance of the activities and the positive impact of the entire organization on the lives of children affected by Microtia and Atresia and hearing loss. I have witnessed the operation and activities of many charitable organizations, and I must admit I had never seen one that is as effective, far-reaching and involved as the Ear Community. Melissa is one of the most motivated, focused, persistent and diligent leaders I know, and her hard work is bearing fruit that benefits and affects the lives of so many people. Just today I ran into someone who had benefitted from the great efforts of such organizations - my tow-truck driver was a beneficiary of cochlear implants and was familiar with Melissa and her advocacy.
I hope the Ear Community can get all the support it needs to continue its operations as it continually and actively improves the lives of thousands of children and adults, and inspires many to join and uphold this very worthy cause.
Kamen Guentchev
Longmont, Colorado
Vivimos una increíble experiencia en Nashville en la conferencia y Pic nic de microtia, me siento muy feliz de haber tenido la oportunidad de asistir a este hermoso evento, gracias a Melissa por toda la organización nos sentimos muy agradecidos de haberla conocido porque nos ha resuelto las dudas desde el primer día, gracias a ear community por organizar estos eventos para todos los padres de niños con Microtia me sentí muy identificada con tantos padres compartiendo lo que han vivido con sus hijos desde su nacimiento, fue algo verdaderamente conmovedor y nos ayudó mucho a resolver tantas dudas junto con todos los especialistas que dieron la conferencia. Nos gustaría algún día estar enfrente y también poder compartir nuestro testimonio. Conocimos a la hermosa Artista Noelle Smith es una persona increíble me dio mucha alegría conocerla y ver cómo ha superado todos los obstáculos y que ella se siente feliz y se acepta tal y como es le expliqué a Ricardo que ella no tiene límites y que el tampoco debería tenerlos escuchamos juntos su música. Para mi fue tan lindo ver a mi pequeño Ricardo convivir con otros niños con microtia eso le dio mucha seguridad y el no se siente solo. Volveré a ir a otras conferencias quede muy satisfecha con toda la experiencia que vivimos mi familia y yo.
Finding Ear Community after discovering my son's Microtia and Atresia was the greatest blessing. They provide so many incredible resources and events that provide both education and community for those with Microtia, Atresia, and hearing loss. I am so grateful for the work of Ear Community and their advocacy.
I found this fabulous organization while I was actually trying to find some advocacy for my daughters hearing loss in regards to health insurance, or lack there of…
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Tumblin, the founder of The Ear Community and she gave me so much information to help on my journey. This organization is not only a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers, but also educators.
Ear Community is a great help to getting info out to people who have microtia & atresia. I'm 1 of them! When I was trying to find the latest hearing technology a few years ago, I attended 1 of their picnics & got myself on a path of success! Since then, I like to attend their picnics to help "give back" - offering advice to others w/ my condition.
Mi niño tiene 9 años y tiene microtia y atresia bilateral, Cuando nació no le pronosticaban que viviera, a su corta edad ha vivido demasiada discriminación y ahora acudimos a ustedes para poder operarlo.
This has been the most valuable source of information on a very rare genetic condition I have learned more here than I have from doctors or any other website. In addition, it has been an incredible source of encouragement and inspiration on a regular basis.
I was born with right sided microtia in 1955. There was no internet, no information, and certainly little to no communication. It was kept hidden under my long brown hair, along with my thoughts, feelings and insecurities.
Growing up was challenging as was sitting around a table with friends.
Fortunately, today there is this amazing group of people who are open and honest about their experiences and resources galore to help people navigate this lifestyle. This organization is unparalleled and can’t imagine it not being available today. Thanks to those who dedicate their time and inspiring stories to help those who come along.
We first became aware of the Ear Community in 2018 when our daughter, Amelia, was born with Microtia Atresia.
This organization has provided the support our family needed, information for us to be advocates as well as a platform to connect with other families within our community.
The Ear Community is a lifeline. It is a safe space for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community; and we are forever grateful that it exists.
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I know that 2020 has been... A LOT. There are so many things happening in our world that seem so out of control which can be anxiety producing for many. However, I would like to shed light on a beautiful organization that has been a lifesaver for myself as well as many families around the world. The Ear Community has been a source of direct information and endless support since the moment we had Amelia.
The world of “google” can be a VERY scary place. The Ear Community provides accurate information while reassuring parents that their beautiful little babies will be OK! This validation and support is truly invaluable and unfortunately, not something you always find with doctors and “WEB MD”.
The founder, Melissa, is a superhero. She helps so many families get what they need to help their children succeed. She advocates not only for her daughter, but for every single person whose life has been impacted by Microtia Atresia and hearing loss. Although I have met her once, I truly do not think I could have been the mother I am (and hope to be) without her and this organization.
When your child has a rare condition and not many people can help you, it was amazing to find this resource! Thank you so much for being so available and helpful when we needed someone to talk to.
The Ear Community has been a wonderful resource for our family. My now 6 year old daughter was born with right side microtia and atresia. Last week we were fortunate to attend our first Ear Community Picnic (virtually) and I just wanted to send a quick thank you to Melissa for organizing this event. I really didn't know what to expect and was blown away by all the information and guest speakers that joined. Such a wealth of information!
I know virtual events are a challenge too but Melissa and guests were so poised and very engaging!
I can't wait for more events in the future.
Ear community has absolutely been an essential part of spreading awareness and educating on bone anchored hearing devices. Often times it can be very intimidating and scary to approach this medical topic - there's a lot of unknowns for finding proper solutions. The resolution to this problem is Ear Community. The support this nonprofit gives is absolutely priceless, the abundance of helpful information and the center of just having someone to reach out to for a shoulder to cry on. I've been using this nonprofit for about 7 years, and learn something knew every single day when I see their updates and feed on my social media. These hearing devices are complex and rare, it's amazing to know that the Ear Community has my back in whatever questions I need answered from insurance, to the best ear doctors in town, to the personal benefits of wearing the hearing product. The Ear Community has and will continue to change so many lives. I highly recommend everything about this nonprofit. Words simply cannot properly define the positive impact Ear community has in the hard of hearing and deaf community. A HUGE thank you to Ear Community! It is THE best source of anything and everything about the BAHA.
Even though we don't have anyone with Microtia/Atresia in our family, I wear a bone anchored hearing device due to Cholesteatoma.
I'm an artist sharing stories of hearing loss through art, so I'm always looking for stories of all types of backgrounds. When searching for inspiration to create an art piece related to microtia, I came upon Microtia Awareness Day on November 9th, which was started by Melissa Tumblin, founder of Ear Community. So it began our connection. The art pice I made was called "Looking Out for Microtia" and it eventually turned into Ally's story (Melissa's daughter). Ever since, Melissa and I became friends and I have been doing everything I can to support this inspiring organization which helps and connects not only people with microtia, but the entire hearing loss community in general. Every year, I try to find a way to create new art related to this cause and in 2020 I began to help fundraise for Ear Community by designing Microtia Awareness products and selling on my website at MyLuckyEars.com.
Her drive to create and get the bill "Ally's Act" to pass is something that will benefit thousands and thousands of people in the future. I'm so grateful for Ear Community and the work of Melissa Tumblin!
My son,Tyndale, who is now 2 months old was born with Microtia/Atresia of the right ear. We had no idea of this condition prior to his birth. My midwife and my pediatrician were not familiar with Tyndale's diagnosis so upon doing my own research, I found the Ear Community. I posted a question on their Facebook page and Melissa immediately reached out to me and offered reassurance concerning my son's diagnosis. She also helped connect me with the Microtia/Atresia clinic at Vanderbilt University. This community has been so wonderful and helpful to our family. Thank you so much!!!
My daughter was born in February 2020. She was born with unilateral (right side) Microtia & Atresia. We spent the first year of her life feeling very lost on what her diagnosis meant and what is/isn’t best for her. We found Ear Community after what felt like a very disappointing doctor’s appointment, where we had lost our hope. Ear Community (Specifically Melissa) was a wealth of knowledge for us and gave us back the hope we needed for our sweet little girl. We cannot wait to become more involved with Ear Community and hopefully begin to make connections with other families that are on the same journey.
When our daughter was born, a failed hearing test allowed us to figure out she has an atresia in her left ear. Long story short, we left it alone until recently when we were referred to another ENT out of state. I had a friend suggest I search on Facebook for a support group for atresia since we were clearly struggling with what to do and happened across the Ear Community! I told them our story and she messaged me back some info, she even gave me her number and we talked for 45 minutes. I learned so much it was just unreal! They are so incredibly helpful and offer great insight as to what our kids are going through and it’s stuff that the drs we’ve seen had never told us which makes it that much more valuable. I was pretty much clueless to all the ins and outs of atresia other than little to no hearing from that ear and feel so much more knowledgeable about what’s going on with my daughter after talking with them. The advice given and opinions of the parents as well as the organization were so valuable and definitely made great points on all options, leaving you able to make informed decisions for your circumstances. Amazing! Amazing organization!
Ear Community is an essential part of the community that my son was born into and has been the most helpful resource for me as a parent. This organization is amazing!!
My daughter was born with Microtia and Atresia a this non profit has been so helpful and beneficial to my family. Wonderful resource!
When our daughter was born in the hospital with her “little ear” we learned was microtia and atresia, we were armed with little else than an iPad and the powers to search what her condition was and what it meant. One of the websites we came across was this organization that not only gave us a wealth of information but also gave us hope and a level of support. Within 24 hours of her birth and a visit from a pediatrician, we knew more than the pediatrician about the condition and it was thanks to this website. Since then, we have been followers of the website and the events and valuable information for children with hearing loss and their families as well as its community and the way we rally to support each other to troubleshoot or assure someone new being added to the community. We are so grateful for this resource.
The Ear Community has become a close friend to our family! We may not always be visible to others, but their stories, science, responses, and updates make a huge difference in our journey with Micotia and Atresia. Our son Collin is nearly 15 and a Freshman in H.S and has unilateral Microtia and Atresia. We live outside of Sacramento, CA. And despite the large metropolitan area we are from, when he was born....we were very much in the dark. Upon delivering him, one nurse said "Massage his little ear and it will loosen up." Another nurse questioned, "He may just be deaf and we can refer you." When we finally learned of his condition and asked for him to be aided, we face a bias that "one ear is good enough," or "small children don't do well with BAHA's." We had to break through that and find our own path to aid Collin by one years old, outside of our community. When we found the Ear Community we finally were able to plug into a place full of possibilities. We could hear about new implants, the choice to soft band, surgery considerations, and most importantly, the fact that our children can and will have amazing lives WITH Microtia and Atresia, not despite it. This year the Ear Community asked us to host one of the virtual picnics, tell our story, and give a platform for our son to give voice to his experience to inspire others. We were thrilled and will continue to look to the Ear Community to give us that chance to share, give back, and demand more for children/families on this similar journey. Today we are working out virtual HS, baseball, and long distance family relationships. We are thankful that the Ear Community continues to be close, inspiring, and engaged with what is possible today and in the future for families searching out the very best for their kiddos! Thank You & God Bless the Ear Community!
Ear community gives us so much hope when everything seems so unclear and falling apart. We are from the Philippines. Our son was born with Bilateral Microtia and Atresia. As we search for answers with our son’s condition, we came across this organization Ear Community on Facebook and the Microtia and Atresia Support Group. As we go through their website, we read stories of hope and happiness as the children are aided through their help. It gave us a strong faith that our son could also share the same joy of hearing someday. As a parent the fear of unknown is what makes it so difficult. We don’t know who we can turn to. We thought that there’s no other way for our son’s condition already. It is just heartbreaking but it was through this community when we learned that our child will be able to hear us better. Thank you for keeping our spirits high. We found great comfort with this group. Thank you Ear Community! Thank you for being and playing a big part of our journey!
Our daughter was born with Microtia and Atresia 13 years ago. We were beyond lost, confused and alone. We were going through a really rough patch trying to help her through her first few years of life when we searched Facebook and stumbled across Ear Community. Ear Community has been a true blessing in our lives! Through this organization, we went to several picnics in various states and quickly fell in love with Melissa and Ally Tumblin (and family), the founders of Ear Community.
Ear Community has helped us and many others with advice, support and advocacy. Melissa has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to others...and has even gotten it's very own awareness day on November 9th!
The Ear Community Family holds a special place in our hearts and we are forever grateful for all of it!!
My son was born with microtia and Atresia and this group has been a great help with advice also with support in questions and with emotional support as well. I am thankful for this group!
My name is Brittany Doyle and I was born with Grade 3 Microtia. I had a total of five surgeries starting at a young age. Due to the location of my facial nerve, they were unable to create an opening. I came across Ear Community and was instantly welcomed into the group. It was such a relief to find others I could relate to and share my story with. I have enjoyed connecting with people and being able to help others !
Having a daughter born with Microtia-Atresia and unilateral hearing loss (and realizing not a lot of information is out there to help guide parents in a time of trying to navigate this condition) - the Ear Community not only provides a plethora of information on this subject and endless collected resources, but it has a loving mother with a mission to help us all facing the same challenges.
Melissa has been incredibly helpful, supportive and generous in guiding us in our path to learn about this world and to bring us up to speed, so we can make the best choices, and be the best advocates for our daughter.
This nonprofit has been incredibly key to bringing awareness to these conditions and persevering through medical and insurance challenges. I would recommend any parent or guardian of a child, or if they have it themselves, to dive into this Ear Community and find all you can to feel you are not alone and there is so much here to help you understand and guide you through all the support and resources.
Thank you Melissa and the entire Ear Community for all you do!
What a blessing Ear Community has been to me and the families with whom I work. As a parent of a child with microtia as well as an early intervention teacher working with families who have children with microtia, I find the resources and family supports so helpful. I have attended various events and always enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories. The sponsors are always friendly and informative. What Ear Community is doing to assist families is amazing and I will support them, financially and educationally, for as long as I am able!
Ear Community is very resourceful! The founder is friendly and knowledgeable. Being new to Microtia/Atresia, this is the perfect place to learn and connect with others experiencing similar journeys. Highly recommend Ear Community to others.
Melissa,
Congratulations on everything you have accomplished to provide invaluable high quality information to families and to advocate for and support individuals born with microtia. Ear Community is a game changer. When families come to us to learn about prosthetic restoration they have often already connected with Ear Community and are armed with information and questions. If families have not heard about Ear Community we immediately provide contact information. I observe a profound sense of relief that they are not alone. I have also noticed young adults born with microtia feeling especially empowered by Ear Community, even though you may not see them at picnics.
Because I have been working with families of children with microtia for over 3 decades I see the profound difference you have made. Before Ear Community, families would come to our office to learn about prosthetic restoration and would often not know the term microtia. Parents would express feeling very alone–that their child was the only person born with this difference. Families were very grateful for supportive information, which came in the form of a printed booklet from a Canadian organization called About Face.
I am a firm believer that people make better decisions when they have good information and understand their options. I am grateful for Ear Community and think you and Ally are amazing!
Regards,
Julie
Julie Jordan Brown, MAMS, CCA
Clinical Director
Medical Art Resources, Inc.
3400 S. 103rd St. Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI 53227
www.medicalartresources.com
414-543-1002
fax 414-543-0137
Ear Community is a very unique and special nonprofit that provides support for families of children with Microtia/Atresia. This rare and unusual condition is evident at birth and leaves many new parents confused, scared and looking for answers. Ear Community provides many answers to parents' questions as well as hope for their child. Atresia causes hearing loss in either one or both ears. As a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing I work with many children with Microtia/Atresia. I have worked in early intervention and often referred families to Ear Community for the hope and support this nonprofit provides. I have seen families come together, meet and share their journey of raising a child with hearing loss. Summer picnics bring children and families together in an inclusive setting where differences are celebrated and strength is found for each child in knowing they are not alone in their journey with Microtia/Atresia. I am proud to be a board member of Ear Community!
Ear Community has been beyond special to our family. When I thought we were the only one, when I had questions and when my son or I needed support, Ear Community has been there. Melissa is a God send who I am SO lucky to have met. There is a place for Microtia kids and families with EC.
I was born in 1960 microtia atresia of the left ear. The only person I have met with atresia is a small child. I was so excited to find this fb page and group. They provide, information, validation, options, scientific data, support and love for people living with "little ears" and their parents. I am so grateful for this page and appreciate the wonderful jobs do.
My son was born with bilateral microtia and Atresia. My husband and I spent almost every night for he first year of his life online trying to find information. We had seen ENTs, audiologist and other specialist in our area but they didn't give us all the information we wanted.
Then we found Ear Community. We went to the conference at Vanderbilt University. It was life changing. We meet a team of specialists, other children, other families, hearing device company's and audiologist.
It is hard for me to explain how much of an impact this had on us. It gave us peace of mind, helped us come up with a plan to care for our son and the late research stopped.
I cannot recommend Ear Community enough. They changed our life and our sons for the better and I am forever grateful.
In 2018 I was able to obtain devices for a child with bilateral microtia atresia through Ear Community who otherwise may have never been fortunate enough to receive this gift of hearing. The staff at Ear Community were extremely helpful and maintained frequent contact throughout the entire process from beginning of the application to fitting of the devices. I am so thankful for Ear Community and especially for Melissa Tumblin for having the vision to establish such a needed nonprofit organization whose outreach has helped so many individuals with microtia atresia.
I only recently connected with the Ear Community in Spring and wish I had known about them years ago. I have learned so much about my daughter's microtia and about my options through the Ear Community support page on Facebook and through conversations over the phone with Melissa. I have received a tremendous amount of encouragement and emotional support from the organization.
Additionally, the Ear Community picnics have changed my daughter's life! Through our first picnic in Tennessee this past summer, my 8 year old daughter was able to meet others with microtia for the very first time and it helped her to not feel alone. My family and I are so blessed by the Ear Community!
I had never heard of microtia or atresia until my daughter was born. The Ear Community team gathered information to help me understand what these terms would mean for my daughter. They created a community where we help and encourage each other. There would be no other place for me to go without them. I am forever grateful for everything Ear Community has done for me and my family.
Ear Community is the best place to get factual, non-biased information on all things microtia and atresia related. Along with our doctor, this organization is our sounding board for making decisions as they relate to my son's bi-lateral microtia/ atresia. I'm very thankful for Melissa and her tireless efforts to build this community.
Due to the support of Ear Community, I was able to fit a kiddo with bone conduction devices who would have had no other way to obtain them. He did not have insurance and had limited financial resources. We found out very quickly that he had been approved for two Ponto 3SP on a softband. The organization was quick, responsive and very helpful. Everyone on his team, especially Melissa and Heidi at Ear Community were committed to making sure that everything was very clear to me, who had never worked with them before. I had never been through the process before, but they explained exactly the sequence of events and what needed to happen.
Additionally, I've had the privilege to work with one of their board members. She is motivated and enthusiastic about the cause! She is in DC for gradschool, but using the opportunity to work with her congressional representatives to improve insurance access and coverage for bone conduction devices. What a truly inspiring advocate for her community!
Ear community is full of passionate and persistent people who really care about the work that they are doing. I would recommend this to any patient who is in great need and can say from a professional standpoint, they are very easy to work with.
-Mary Finkbone, Au.D., CCC-A
Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, DC
My son was born this past March with a condition which caused him to have hearing loss in one of his ears and meant we would need to get him hearing aids as an infant. I had no experience with this and felt so lucky to learn about the Ear Community organization. It was amazing finding a resource focused on his condition and to find a community of other families who have gone through similar experiences.
I'm able to get advice and tips from the group's facebook page from families who have older children with the condition. But I felt especially lucky to learn about the Ear Community's summer picnic in Boston. Just a few months before I would be getting my son his first hearing aids, I was able to talk to hearing aid vendors at the picnic and meet and talk to families whose older children were thriving with the condition with and without aids. I am so grateful to all the work the Ear Community does to create community and advocacy for these amazing kids.
The EC showed me I wasn’t alone when my son was born with microtia and Atresia. It has educated me supported me through the years where I can now support and help others that they are not alone. My City, my school, my province, my country has benefited from the kindness of this amazing organization.
Through this wonderful organization, my son and I attended the microtia/atresia conference and picnic hosted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee on July 20, 2019. This experience was life-changing for myself and my son! My son was born with microtia/atresia in 1996 and we felt very isolated. Ear Community has reached out and united families with this same condition to share their stories as well as provide an outlet for friendships and learning about care, treatment plans and new products to help these children and adults navigate our world better. My son was introduced to his first BAHA hearing device and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for him. He is a music major and hearing in stereo will be a game changer. I cannot thank Melissa Tumblin and her group enough for what they have done through Ear Community. They are fantastic and I pray they continue their wonderful work as they reach out to more and more families. The pictures I have included are from the conference/picnic. My son was asked to play guitar as part of the picnic entertainment. He also got to meet other families, doctors and try out his first ever BAHA hearing device! Wonderful experience!
The ear community organization has opened up so many doors for parents and children to get the help they need for hearing aids and additional tools to help them function at a higher level In life!! Meeting all the amazing people that run this organization and all the people that are involved has been a highlight for me! I am a 66 year old woman that has Microtia and never knew what the condition was until my grandson was born 3 years ago with Microtia.I have learned so much from this organization.
It has been amazing to see all the advances and technology that is offered to children now.
I am so grateful to be involved with this organization. Melissa Tumblin does an amazing job helping families!
My son has unilateral Microtia & has been told by dr’s that he’s fine for years. After realizing he was delayed in Speech & could not localize sound we reached out to the Ear Comminuty for assistance with a device after being told insurance wouldn’t cover it. The Ear Community is filled with loving kind hearted individuals that selflessly helped my son in our family’s time of need. They provided him with a Ponto Plus at no cost. He is 4yrs old & needed the device years ago. We are so incredibly grateful for organizations like the Ear Community for giving our son a chance at bilateral hearing.
I contacted Ear Community through email, because we are not on Facebook and to my surprise, Melissa responded right away! I have read helpful articles and blogs on the site for years. Information is great, but I was trying to locate another local boy with Microtia around my son’s age, 15. We’ve never had a friend that personally understands, and it would mean the world. I didn’t know Ear Community was this family of incredible people. Even though we still don’t know who the local high school student is, it has opened the door to meeting so many others. Just a few days before I contacted Melissa, our son went to a hearing test and found out for the first time in 15 years he could hear out of his Microtia ear! The new ENT thought we already knew. Up until now, reconstruction surgery was the only thing mentioned. I started googling information on the Baha SoundArc and came across Ear Community again. Can’t thank Melissa enough! She has taken the time to reach out and open so many doors. I should have emailed her years ago, but glad I finally did.
When a very dear friend of mine had a daughter, she learned everything she could about her baby girl's condition. Through that, she found this great nonprofit org. and has continued her journey of learning and spreading all she can thru this AMAZING organization. It was through her that I learned about it. When one of my sisters was telling me about having to get some thing inplanted so she could hear (she was in her 50s) I was excited since I knew she was describing her BAHA. I talked with her about it and gave her the website to check, which she said was alot of good information. Thank you for people like Melissa!
So happy to have found this group! Thanks to their Facebook page & summer picnics, I have learned a lot about modern devices available to those with microtia & atresia.
The Ear Community is the most amazing organization, absolutely saved my life! So much support, information and love. Having a child born with microtia and artesia, with no answers, the Ear Community was there for me!
The support and community we have had from Ear Community has been vital to my daughter and our family. We look forward to the picnics and the knowledge that we are not alone! When my daughter was born in January 2016, I had never heard of Microtia/Atresia and it was frightening and daunting. After contacting Ear Community after a simple google search, I was instantly plugged into vitally important information and resources, it took a lot of burden and fear away! I know that Ear Community will continue to be a wonderful part of our my daughter's life!!
My first child was born with right microtia atresia and Ear Community was the only organization that was equip with all the support, information and management details I needed to care for my child that was born without a right ear canal, associated conductive hearing loss and underdeveloped ear. The founder personally contacted me right away and we spoke on the phone when my daughter was just a few days old! She helped me every step of the way, she provided support, sympathy, shared her personal story and battles and most of all, had endless knowledge and information to share that she had acquired through years of dedication, research and outreach. Thanks to Ear Community, my daughter has thrived as I was able to give her the best chance in life to blossom despite her underdeveloped ear.
My son was diagnosed with microtia and we knew nothing about it. A “google” search at the hospital lead us to Ear Community. The website had way more information than we knew from a brief and overwhelming trip to the ENT. When I contacted a manufacturer of bone conducting hearing devices, they put me in touch with Melissa. Melissa from Ear Community right away contacted me and then called me. She spent so much time talking to me about her own experiences with her daughter Ally, it was heartwarming knowing we were not alone on this journey. When your child is born with a little known condition, you scour the internet for any information you can. Ear Community and it’s staff has informed us and given us comfort that our son is going to be just fine. Furthermore, their immediate responses and fostering of such an inviting community is commendable. Ear Community fosters not only an online community but a chance for families to meet each other through picnics and a chance to meet vendors of different products that are of interest to individuals with microtia and atresia. This non profit is amazing and should be recognized for its hard work. When your doctors tell you as a parent that you will be the expert on a condition that few know much about, Ear Community is there to fill in the gaps from an information as well as emotional standpoint. Our family is forever grateful.
What can’t I say about such a great nonprofit that helps so many. It has been able to give bone conduction hearing aids to children in need. Also as a community others have been able to donate this very expensive hearing aids to families that need them. On top of all this the resources and support provided to help us parents in dealing with microtia atresia is amazing. The money you donate is spent very well in helping others.
My grandson was just born with microtia and atresia. I cannot even tell you how greatly happy we were to find this page. The ability to know other people were going through the same thing, the advice, and the ability to find information and know there was help out there. After reading the page and going to links and carefully reading what to do next we feel ready to get through this. My grandson is almost 2 weeks old and in a couple days we will be at Uof M for our appointments to the audiologist and ENT. With this page I felt like a better advocate to ask the peditrician to send us to the important specialist ASAP. We are a grateful family and recommend this page!! Thanks Again!
We LOVE Ear Community! The information has been awesome, we went to a picnic and I was brought to tears to see other children just like my little girl. This organization is a godsend and I am so glad to have found it!
My 3yr old daughter Lily has unilateral Microtia and Atresia of the right ear. I found your organization on the internet after she was fitted with her softband at 6 months and I just wanted you to know it has been an absolute blessing to me and my daughter! Being able to share and read other families trials, successes, and experiences has made all the difference in the world when often times we feel so alone or that others around us do not understand. I was able to attend the Nashville conference and family picnic thanks to you and this foundations efforts so again THANK YOU! It was such a wonderful, educational, eye opening experience.
As most other parents of a child born with Microtia Atresia we were clueless when she was born as were the doctors and nurses we came in contact with. I found out about Ear Community (EC) while searching online and it has been a wonderful experience for us.
Many parents feel like they are on an island and Ear Community has made us and our daughter realize there are children all over the world like her. EC hosts picnics internationally as well as in the US, educates medical professionals and advocates for our children. Working with hearing device manufacturers, we are able to donate hearing aids to need-based children worldwide. Without this organization, parents would have to spend countless hours searching for answers that aren't readily available.
Our founder, Melissa, works tirelessly to grow the organization while searching for funding. While Ear Community may not be as well know as other causes, it is vital to parents and any size donation will have an amazing impact on our children.
Ear community has been a blessing in our son's journey with dealing with Microtia/Atresia. When I first had my baby I was totally clueless. Luckily after only a few weeks, I found the group online and I joined the support group on FB. Ear community has helped so many encounter advice, help, support and even their own aids. Through the organization we have been able to meet others in our same situation. We were lucky enough to make it to one of the picnics and we were able to meet many families with kids with Microtia. Ear community has also done a wonderful job in trying to share Microtia Awareness. Truly a blessing!! Thanks Ear Community!!
Ear Community is an invaluable resource for everyone wishing to know more about all aspects of Microtia/Atresia. It is sincerely appreciated and well-respected by audiological/medical communities, educators, counsellors, and among related professionals. One of Ear Community's chief priorities is to be a complete resource for families and individuals managing Microtia/Atresia. I have been acquainted with Ear Community for many years. I use them as my GoTo for anything related to Microtia/Atresia. So thankful for this great amazing group doing such important work. Dr. Linda Cox, Florida Audiologist
Ear Community is a nonprofit organization /network for those who have and know loved ones with Microtia and Atresia. This is a place of immense knowledge and a great to seak information and advice. The Ear Community is an amazing community, they care and support whenever and however the can.
The day my son was born we learned he had bilateral Microtia/ Atresia. Since then I found the Ear Community online/ Facebook and I sent a message seeking advice not knowing what to expect or what to do next. The founder (Melissa Tumblin) sent me a long reply with tons of information, what to expect, what specialist I should set appointments with and most important of all gave us hope and encouragement to be the best advocates for my son now (4 months old). I'm so grateful I found this organization early on to get the resources, support and peace of mind we needed. They've been a Godsend
Hi Everyone,
This is Arkin, a Bilateral Microtia Atresia from Philippines. Since Arkin was born Ear Community was became my most favorite web page. It's became my Dictonary, My Reader's digest, and My Magazine.
Most of all, I am very thankful to this generous Organization. They donated 2 bone anchored hearing devices to my son just right it time when he is learning his speech skills . Ear Comm. You are the one who introduce the beauty of music and sounds. It was an answered prayer for us! Getting Aid here in my country is like playing Mission Impossible! I was devastated then but Ear Comm has became the God's way of helping us. All this Amazing works happen last Aug 2015. And now, Arkin is 2 yrs old. A happy kiddo who love to sing and dance. Love to say hello with a pretty smile in every people he meet along his way. I am sure you'll be proud on him!
Thank you so much!
And I will be forever grateful!
Happy Mom,
Jhoan
When my son was born with Microtia and atretia, at first I didn't know what it was so I felt devastated I had no one to turn to, I felt alone confused about my sons future. I did several google search until I came across the Ear Community. I sent them a message asking for help, they reply right away with tons of information and support. Today thanks to the Ear Community I know a lot more about my sons condition.
I LOVE Ear Community! I have gotten so much support, and education from this organization's website. Truly a life-changer for my family!
Amazing people and amazing network of volunteers! They helped me in my time of need and I am forever grateful! I help and donate what I can!
The Ear Community and it's creator, Melissa Tumblin, have truly been a lifesaver for my family from the very beginning of our journey with a child with Microtia and Atresia. Our daughter was diagnosed with right-sided Microtia and Atresia at birth and our pediatrician had very little to no knowledge about her condition. The emotional roller coaster that accompanied specialist appointments, and navigating the very scary territory of figuring out how to raise our special needs daughter, was greatly calmed once I reached out to the Ear Community for help. I searched the website and found so much helpful information that I wished I had found earlier. Not only was I better able to understand my daughter's condition better but I was able to connect with other parents of kids with Microtia and create great supportive friendships that have latter over the years. The Ear Community also holds numerous picnics over the summer in a variety of locations to help gather families and people effected by Microtia, Atresia and other facial deformities and syndromes. These picnics allowed us to talk to specialists and learn the latest procedures available as well as try out devices and talk to people to find out about their experiences. I cannot express how incredibly wonderful and helpful these picnics are to attend. My daughter LOVES meeting other people with a BAHA and little ear like hers. The Ear Community also provided my daughter with a new hearing device last year and words cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity that the Ear Community has shown us. We will forever be grateful for the comfort and knowledge we received from this wonderful site and Melissa personally.
Ear Community is such a fantastic organization. They offer support, resources, and information and provide a community to feel a part of. We are so thankful to have the Ear Community to rely on.
We love the Ear Community!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
So thankful for an amazing group that is so full of support and information for the Microtia/Atresia community.
Thank you for all that you do!! ❤️
Ear Community is the best resource for anyone with Microtia and Atresia. When my son was born the Doctors didn't even know what was wrong with my sons ear. I spent countless hours that night in the hospital researching why it could be. That is when I found Ear Community. No better resource nor support group out there! The work they do with hearing device donations is amazing! Th support provided by the organization from advice to moral support is unheard of these days! I wish more people would step up and help this organization with donations so they can continue to help others!
My daughter Sophia was born with bilateral microtia and atresia. When she was first born we were confused and had no answers on where to turn and directions on our next steps. When Sophia was 3 months old we saw an ent and learned what her birth defect was called. After learning the name we googled it and stumbled upon ear communities website. Honestly, we did not realize how life changing finding ear community would be for Sophia on her microtia journey. We have a great ENT but there was still information and options we were unaware of until we found ear community. Ear community is where we found out about the cochlear BAHA soft band that allowed Sophia to hear in her right ear. This sight is also where my daughter has found life long friends who are on their own microtia journey. I could go on and on. The founder of ear community has poured her time, energy, and heart into helping families and individuals with microtia in every way possible. For that we are forever grateful!
Melissa Shemanski
My son was born with right sided Microtia & Atresia grade 3. He was baby number 3 for us! So never in my wildest dreams did I think my son would be born with a birth defect since my other 2 were born perfectly healthy. When he was born the Doctor’s hand was covering his little ear and when she placed him on my chest, it was little ear down. So for about 30 minutes or so we had no idea he was born with a fairly rare ear abnormality. When I flipped him over to get a good look at his cute chubby little face I noticed his ear was folded over….I thought nothing of it being my 3rd child because I know newborns cartilage is very thin. I tried unfolding it, but I couldn’t and it was then I realized something was not right. I asked both nurses in the room what it was & they stated they’ve seen this before- but did not know the medical terminology. I frantically looked at his fingers and toes to make sure there were 10 & thankfully there were.
I spent the next 12 hours in fear and tears wondering what I could have done to cause this. Ultimately, blaming myself…could it be the flu shot I got, could it have been the few drinks I had PRIOR to knowing I was pregnant, could it have been stress, food??? I wanted to google it so bad because I am the “Google Queen” says my husband- but he told me not to. He said I shouldn’t scare myself and I should wait for the doctor to come in and give the diagnosis. As soon as I got home I googled his diagnosis and found the wonderful Ear Community! Hands down the best google search ever! :)
I reached out to Melissa via Facebook messenger in hopes she could in some way ease my fears and worries and that is exactly what she did! She was kind enough to call me that same night. I’ll never forget that conversation. Melissa told me her story about her beautiful daughter Ally and how she blamed herself at one point which most mothers do in the beginning. I thought that was so kind of her. I knew right then and there this was a special organization.
For the next 6 months to a year I religiously followed every single post on Ear Community. It helped me get though my post-partum depression and lead me to realize even though my family and I have never met anyone with Microtia/Atresia, we were not alone and it wasn’t as rare as the doctors made it out to be. I was able to ask questions for all my sons future doctor’s appointments (there were a lot) & everyone was so responsive & supportive. When he got his BAHA at 3 months I couldn’t wait to share it with the group! How cool is that? I was able to feel proud after months of blaming myself. This organization is truly a gem! Ear Community is a support group of everyday parents just trying to raise their kids the best they can and it’s so nice that no matter your view on surgery or aiding your child is we can all relate and support each other no matter what and that is pretty special!
I also want to mention a very special family we connected with thanks to EC, The Bayan’s have become family to us and our boys will grow up together knowing they are not alone just as Christine and I did. So thank you Ear Community for the endless support and love!
My daughter, Eden, was born on September 19, 2010. The first time I saw her the nurses were around her and I said light-heartedly, "does she have 10 fingers and toes". The nurses assured me that she did, but they showed me that her ear was folded over. I had absolutely no idea what had happened and I had never seen or heard of a child being born with an undeveloped ear. I went back to our hospital room shortly after and starting researching on the Internet. Within an hour of Eden's birth I found the Facebook support page that evolved into Ear Community, and I was talking on the phone with Melissa. I've relied heavily on Ear Community the last five years while making decisions for my daughter. She is scheduled to have surgery on July 29. Without this group and the support and advice that I have received I would have been far less educated and confident moving forward with Eden's surgery next month. I can't thank Melissa and all of the members of this group enough for sharing their knowledge, experiences and stories with me. Eden and I are very fortunate to have found this group so quickly. Thank you, Ear Community!
Ear Community is a great resource for people with the fairly rare condition of microtia and Artesia to get information that is hard to find, even from doctors, and even better...it's all on one website! The website also has tons of useful information for many others with hearing loss and craniofacial abnormalities. It's also a great way to meet people who understand what I go through and share support. They also do a great job of housing summer picnics around the world (although mainly U.S. since that's where they are located and have the most volunteers). I've been attending them for three years, and it's always a great opportunity!
Ear Community was there when my family needed it most. We found Ear Community when my son born with Bilaterl Atresia Microtia and was about 3 months old. Ear Community provided the education, resources and the community we needed to filter through the medical journey of this diagnosis. It was fantastic to speak to other families who had walked our shoes, used our surgeon, used the same hearing aides, worked with insurance companies for approval, navigated through the educational needs of our child and were the encouragement we needed as questions arose.
I love that Ear Community is there for those who are unable to obtain aides...the leadership is fully invested and responsible. I love this organization.
When my daughter was born in April of 2012, we were a little lost as to where to turn for information about her little ear. My husband had found a quick diagnosis on the internet but it wasn't until a plastic surgeon we had been referred to showed us Ear Community. Oh my what a change to our family! While I definitely had my days here and there of mourning the new world we would be jumping into, I was ever so grateful for the support and the deep well of knowledge put together on this website. It astonishes me that a mother, just like me, has created this movement and this whole world-wide community. Industry professionals, global surgeons, and even the big companies who manufacture our specialized sound processors have taken notice. www.EarCommunity.com is a game changer, if you are only willing to take the time and r-e-a-d then you can educate yourself and be a wonderful advocate for yourself or someone you love.