Myles' Story
When Myles was born at full term, I remember looking at his tiny ear and thinking it had just been “squished” during delivery. Newborns arrive in all sorts of shapes, and nothing felt unusual at first. He was perfect.
About six hours later, the professionals gently explained that Myles had microtia. I can still remember the feeling — the shock, the fear of the unknown, and the sudden worry about what his future might look like. No parent is ever ready for that conversation.
As the days and months went by, Myles started having regular hearing tests. We learned that he had severe conductive hearing loss in his microtia ear. At just one year old, he was fitted with his first BAHA. It felt so early, so overwhelming at the time, but looking back, it was the beginning of him connecting with the world in his own way.
Myles’ journey hasn’t been easy. He has had two abutment surgeries, and both sadly failed. Now he is waiting for magnet surgery — another step, another hope. Through it all, he has shown more resilience than I ever knew a child could have.
He didn’t start communicating until he was five, and those early years were filled with speech therapy, patience, and a lot of hope. But once Myles found his voice, he used it proudly — and beautifully.
Now, at seven years old, Myles is the happiest, most joyful little boy. He loves showing off his hearing aid to anyone who will look, as if it’s a superpower — and in many ways, it is. He has adapted incredibly well to his hearing loss, and his confidence shines through everything he does.
His little microtia ear — the one I once thought was just “squished” — is now something I see as a symbol of his strength. It’s part of what makes him who he is: brave, unique, and full of light.
Myles’ journey has taught us so much about resilience, acceptance, and embracing the things that make us different.
His ear doesn’t define him, but it is a special part of his story — and we are so proud of the boy he has become.
