1. Ear Community is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit charity organization that helps children and adults who are born
without ears (Microtia) and without ear canals resulting in hearing loss (Atresia). Microtia and Atresia are rare
congenital deformities that occur in 1 out of every 8,000 births. Some children and adults have facial asymmetry
and develop oral problems regarding chewing and swallowing due to misaligned jaw structure. Because
Microtia and Atresia are rare, many medical facilities around the world do not have enough information to
provide families with all of their options that can help their loved ones live a better quality of life.
Ear Community was founded by a parent, named Melissa Tumblin, who's youngest daughter was born without
her right ear and has Atresia. Following her daughter's birth, no one could explain to Melissa why her daughter's
ear hadn't developed or if something environmentally had caused this to happen during Melissa's pregnancy.
After going to a number of doctors and specialists, Melissa realized that she was not being informed of all the
options for her daughter. Through bits and pieces of information online, Melissa learned more about surgical
options and about a bone conduction hearing device that could help her daughter hear better. Melissa also
learned about speech therapy services that could help her daughter during her current speech and communication
delays and that her daughter's hearing should be monitored often. Everyday, families around the world continue
to feel alone with Microtia and Atresia and are not informed of all of their options.
Over the years, Ear Community has helped thousands of parents and medical professionals around the world
learn more about Microtia and Atresia. During the past two years alone (2012/2013), Ear Community has
helped bring together close to 3,000 people (including medical professionals, families, and hearing device
companies) around the world at its family events. In addition, Melissa continues to participate in interviews,
write articles, present, and speak at conferences and events sharing her experience.
Microtia and Atresia Hemifacial Microsomia Reconstructive ear surgery before and after
of the right ear
If you or anyone you know enjoys donating to charities, please let them know about www.EarCommunity.com
and how they can help children and adults with Microtia and Atresia receive emotional support, obtain hearing
devices, help with travel costs toward surgery, and receive college scholarships.
http://EarCommunity.com/Donate/
Federal Tax ID #: 84-1246756