An Exciting Start to the New Year for Anisa
January 18, 2024
Wynter’s Journey with Treacher Collins Syndrome
September 27, 2024

Bjorn’s BAHA Is Turned On

microtia and atresia, hemifacial microsomia, and a large mass on his tongue.

 

Bjorn, age 14 from Jamaica, began treatment at the Little Baby Face Foundation in December 2023. He was born with microtia and atresia, hemifacial microsomia, and a large mass on his tongue. His treatment plan has been and will continue to be complex, with many different surgeries and procedures.
 

Bjorn, age 14 from Jamaica, began treatment at the Little Baby Face Foundation in December 2023. He was born with microtia and atresia, hemifacial microsomia, and a large mass on his tongue. His treatment plan has been and will continue to be complex, with many different surgeries and procedures.
 
A Look at Bjorn’s Treatments So Far

Bjorn’s first surgery at the Little Baby Face Foundation was to remove a large mass on his tongue, which was impeding his speech and eating. This surgery went very smoothly with a quick recovery. Bjorn was underweight and potentially undernourished when he first visited us, and he has gained weight since the surgery, so it’s clear just how beneficial this surgery has been for him.

At the same visit, Dr. Romo performed ear reconstruction surgery on Bjorn’s microtic ear, removing rib cartilage to create a foundation for the ear structure.



This was followed by a second-stage surgery, which included having a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) implanted. This surgery was performed by Dr. Kohan, a leading otologist and neurotologist who volunteers his time and expertise to treating children at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Bjorn’s BAHA is Turned On

Turning on a child’s bone anchored hearing aid for the first time is always a really exciting moment for us. Bjorn had little to no hearing in his microtic ear, so this was a complete transformation for him.



Dr. Kohan turned on the BAHA and explained how it worked. Through a phone app, Bjorn is able to adjust his settings based on his environment—lower for navigating noisy New York City streets, for example, and higher for a classroom setting or quiet conversations. Bjorn described his BAHA as “loud,” which is actually a good thing. He is adjusting to hearing at a normal level, and he will become accustomed to hearing at this level over time.

Bjorn and his mother were very happy to meet this milestone, even though Bjorn still has a way to go in his treatment plan. His next step will be jaw surgery with Dr. Yusopov to treat his hemifacial microsomia. We will be posting updates on our blog, Instagram, and Facebook, so stay tuned!



 
A Look at Bjorn’s Treatments So Far

Bjorn’s first surgery at the Little Baby Face Foundation was to remove a large mass on his tongue, which was impeding his speech and eating. This surgery went very smoothly with a quick recovery. Bjorn was underweight and potentially undernourished when he first visited us, and he has gained weight since the surgery, so it’s clear just how beneficial this surgery has been for him.

At the same visit, Dr. Romo performed ear reconstruction surgery on Bjorn’s microtic ear, removing rib cartilage to create a foundation for the ear structure.



This was followed by a second-stage surgery, which included having a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) implanted. This surgery was performed by Dr. Kohan, a leading otologist and neurotologist who volunteers his time and expertise to treating children at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Bjorn’s BAHA is Turned On

Turning on a child’s bone anchored hearing aid for the first time is always a really exciting moment for us. Bjorn had little to no hearing in his microtic ear, so this was a complete transformation for him.



Dr. Kohan turned on the BAHA and explained how it worked. Through a phone app, Bjorn is able to adjust his settings based on his environment—lower for navigating noisy New York City streets, for example, and higher for a classroom setting or quiet conversations. Bjorn described his BAHA as “loud,” which is actually a good thing. He is adjusting to hearing at a normal level, and he will become accustomed to hearing at this level over time.

Bjorn and his mother were very happy to meet this milestone, even though Bjorn still has a way to go in his treatment plan. His next step will be jaw surgery with Dr. Yusopov to treat his hemifacial microsomia. We will be posting updates on our blog, Instagram, and Facebook, so stay tuned!



 
A Look at Bjorn’s Treatments So Far

Bjorn’s first surgery at the Little Baby Face Foundation was to remove a large mass on his tongue, which was impeding his speech and eating. This surgery went very smoothly with a quick recovery. Bjorn was underweight and potentially undernourished when he first visited us, and he has gained weight since the surgery, so it’s clear just how beneficial this surgery has been for him.

At the same visit, Dr. Romo performed ear reconstruction surgery on Bjorn’s microtic ear, removing rib cartilage to create a foundation for the ear structure.



This was followed by a second-stage surgery, which included having a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) implanted. This surgery was performed by Dr. Kohan, a leading otologist and neurotologist who volunteers his time and expertise to treating children at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Bjorn’s BAHA is Turned On

Turning on a child’s bone anchored hearing aid for the first time is always a really exciting moment for us. Bjorn had little to no hearing in his microtic ear, so this was a complete transformation for him.



Dr. Kohan turned on the BAHA and explained how it worked. Through a phone app, Bjorn is able to adjust his settings based on his environment—lower for navigating noisy New York City streets, for example, and higher for a classroom setting or quiet conversations. Bjorn described his BAHA as “loud,” which is actually a good thing. He is adjusting to hearing at a normal level, and he will become accustomed to hearing at this level over time.

Bjorn and his mother were very happy to meet this milestone, even though Bjorn still has a way to go in his treatment plan. His next step will be jaw surgery with Dr. Yusopov to treat his hemifacial microsomia. We will be posting updates on our blog, Instagram, and Facebook, so stay tuned!



 
 
If your child was born with Microtia and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.


    [cf7-hcaptcha* cf7-hcaptcha-675]

     
    If your child was born with Microtia and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.


      [cf7-hcaptcha* cf7-hcaptcha-675]

      Dylan’s Journey with Goldenhar Syndrome and Hemifacial Microsomia

      Dylan from Virginia Beach arrived at our offices for the first time in 2023. Dylan, born with Goldenhar Syndrome and hemifacial microsomia with microtia, is so inspiring because he researched and sought out help on his own.


      Goldenhar Syndrome, hemifacial microsomia with microtia

      Condition

      Virginia Beach

      Patient Origin

      Seng Ly’s Journey with Venous Malformation

      We want to introduce you to this sweet 3 year old boy from Cambodia, Seng Ly. He has been on quite a journey, not only traveling to New York City for the first time, but also in completely transforming his health and his face.


      Venous Malformation

      Condition

      Cambodia

      Patient Origin

      Reena Returns for Venous Malformation Treatment

      Reena, age 11 from the Philippines, came back to us recently to continue her treatment for the venous malformation on her lower lip, chin, gum, and tongue. Reena flew to New York City with her father for the first time in 2017 to have her first surgery with the Little Baby Face Foundation, and has had several trips back since.


      Venous Malformation

      Condition

      Philippines

      Patient Origin