Meet Arkin Silutan Lerio, a 10-month-old boy from the Philippines, born with bilateral Microtia and Atresia. Today, he’s the recipient of two Oticon Medical Ponto Plus sound processors that were donated through the Ear Community Organization.
At three months old, Arkin and his mother experienced a priceless moment—the moment Arkin tried a bone anchored hearing system for the first time. Jhoan, Arkin’s mother, knew from that moment on that her son needed the help of these devices. Just one month earlier she had learned that Arkn had a severe to profound hearing loss in both of his ears. And now, with the device, she was seeing him respond to words and sounds.
However, the family didn’t have medical insurance or the resources to proceed. And many of the medical professionals Arkin saw were not familiar with seeing a child with Microtia and Atresia. But that didn’t stop Jhoan for working to find answers, so she went online to research.
In her research she found the Ear Community Organization and applied for Ear Community’s hearing device donation program.
On August 15, 2016, Arkin proudly received two newly donated Oticon Medical Ponto Plus bone anchored hearing devices and the Oticon Medical Streamer from Oticon Medical that were donated through the Ear Community Organization.
“Many people helped Arkin along the way in order for him to receive his new hearing devices. A special thank you to Izovelle ‘Icee’ Piedad (audiologist with Philiear Inc.) for helping donate her time to fit and program Arkin’s new Ponto Plus hearing devices! Thank you also to Gabe Murphy, who wanted to give back to the Microtia and Atresia community and help a child hear better. Gabe organized a 5k race fundraiser event in Preston, Idaho for his senior class project. Some of the funds that were raised went toward paying for the shipping of Arkin’s hearing device,” Melissa Tumblin, founder of Ear Community explained.
“Jhoan says that Arkin is already hearing better and that he is mimicking sounds. She says that Arkin is already making new sounds and babbling more! Arkin also has a new friend, his monkey that he has decided to call “Otty” that came from Oticon Medical with his gift of hearing.”
Are you interested in learning more about the Oticon Medical Ponto for yourself or your child? We’d be happy to connect with you an audiologist in your area: click below and let us know!
You can read Arkin’s story on the Ear Community website here as well.