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Resources & Support
Finding Community
Learn about the most prominent communities and support systems for people affected by microtia and atresia, and how to get involved in them.
Microtia and Atresia Communities
Navigating the complexities of microtia and atresia can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. A supportive community becomes an invaluable resource, providing guidance in treatment options and emotional support. While there are only a handful of resources and active spaces online, the EarCommunity is one of the largest and most active spaces to talk about anything and everything microtia or atresia. They offer information, personal stories, scholarships, in-person events, practical resources, and many other resources to help you better understand and manage life with these conditions.
In-Person Events
The EarCommunity distinguishes itself not just through its online resources but especially via its carefully curated in-person events. These events are more than social meetups; they are lifelines of direct support and information tailored to individuals and families grappling with microtia and atresia. These gatherings serve as safe spaces to interact face-to-face, a dimension often missing in the digital sphere. The face-to-face element allows attendees to forge deeper emotional bonds, exchange treatment experiences, and even sample different hearing solutions firsthand.
Moreover, the events often feature medical professionals who specialize in microtia and atresia. They provide free consultations, answering specific questions that can make a significant difference in treatment decisions. The added value of this direct access to experts cannot be overstated; for many, it’s a turning point in understanding and managing their condition.
Ally's Act: Legislation
Another vital component that sets EarCommunity apart is its active advocacy for legislative change, most notably through Ally’s Act. This federal bill aims to provide private insurance coverage for osseointegrated hearing devices, like bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) and cochlear implants, for those affected by microtia and atresia. The bill takes its name from Ally Tumblin, a young girl born with microtia and atresia, and her mother Melissa Tumblin, founder of EarCommunity.
Ally’s Act is not just a bill but a beacon of hope for thousands who find themselves caught in the insurance coverage gap. Many insurance plans currently don’t cover hearing devices, leaving families to shoulder enormous out-of-pocket expenses. The act represents a collective step forward, aiming to remove financial barriers and make essential hearing solutions accessible to all.
Endorsed by medical professionals and celebrated by the affected community, Ally’s Act is a testament to what can be achieved when community advocacy and legislative action come together. It embodies the spirit of EarCommunity: a proactive, resourceful network focused on not only individual but systemic change. By supporting Ally’s Act, EarCommunity aims to broaden its impact from the personal to the political, making strides in the fight for better hearing health coverage.
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