Liza Orlovskaya is a beautiful and bright 12 year old from Russia who was born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia. She does well in school and loves spending time with her friends, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to communicate. Due to a lack of awareness and information, the Russian government did not provide medical insurance for those diagnosed with Microtia and Atresia. But, Liza’s mother, Aleksandra, worked tirelessly to help Liza through speech therapy as she grew up and is always there to provide support through difficult times. She also worked to reach out to groups who could help.

Not only would Liza not receive medical insurance, but teachers and doctors did not understand her condition. Many doctors told her mother that there was little hope that Liza would be able to speak or live a normal life. The public perception and confusion around Liza’s condition was so severe that doctors told Aleksandra to leave Liza when she was born.

Although there were limited resources and information to provide support to families in Russia, Aleksandra, found the Microtia and Atresia Support Group on Facebook. This online community helped her discover new information and connect with others around the world dealing with similar difficulties. The Facebook support group ultimately led to Aleksandra discovering the Ear Community— the organization that connected our team here at Oticon Medical with Liza and Aleksandra.

Through the connection, Liza was able to receive an Oticon Medical Ponto Plus. Now Liza can not only reach her own full potential, but her case helps to break down barriers in the community– doctors, educators and the public can now see Liza thriving. Her story will help make an impact in that other children and parents might not have as hard of a journey, because people will better understand the condition and the solution.

Liza’s improved hearing has made time with family and friends more enjoyable and she can now hear better while at school. Aleksandra tells Melissa, founder of Ear Community, “Liza sings all day long to the music through the Ponto Streamer. The devices are amazing and we have shared lots of tears of joy over this experience!”

This great story truly shows what can be accomplished when people come together to help each other.