A 15-year-old New York City girl born without a right ear can now hear clearly after a series of reconstruction surgeries performed free of charge.
At a Glance
- Furugh, 15, was born with microtia, leaving her without an external right ear and ear canal
- Surgeons carved a new ear from her rib cartilage and implanted a bone-anchored hearing aid
- She controls the hearing device through a phone app
- Why it matters: The transformation boosts her confidence and ends years of feeling isolated
Furugh asked that her full name not be used for privacy. She told FOX 5 New York that living with the condition left her self-conscious.
“I wasn’t confident or comfortable at all,” she said. “The people I was around – nobody had this problem but me. I just felt so left out.”
The Little Baby Face Foundation, created by Dr. Thomas Romo III, covered the cost of the procedures. Romo serves as Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Lennox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York City.
How Surgeons Built a New Ear
Romo outlined the multistage process:
- Harvested rib cartilage from her chest
- Sculpted the cartilage into an ear shape
- Positioned the structure on the side of her head
- Released the tissue so she can wear glasses
“She has a beautiful contour to the ear,” Romo said while showing the results. “This is rib cartilage, and the rest is all artificial.”
In addition to the external reconstruction, the medical team implanted a bone-anchored hearing aid to restore function. The teen adjusts the device using an app on her phone.
The Moment Sound Came Through
Cameras from FOX 5 New York captured the milestone when the Queens sophomore experienced clear hearing for the first time.
Audiologist Dr. Phillip Vazquez activated the device and verified its success. Furugh smiled broadly as she realized she could hear his voice without difficulty.
“Ever since I got my ear fixed, I feel more confident and more comfortable,” she said. “I can hear people better now. I don’t have to ask people to repeat themselves.”
To celebrate, she had her new ear pierced.
Foundation’s Mission
Since 2002, the Little Baby Face Foundation has provided free corrective surgeries and comprehensive medical care to children born with severe facial deformities. Nearly 40 children have received treatment.
Romo emphasized the bravery of these patients. “They go through multiple surgeries to get to where they are. That makes them courageous.”
Furugh expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m just really thankful for this opportunity to be able to hear more,” she said.
Key Takeaways
- Microtia affects external ear development and can block the ear canal
- Rib cartilage offers durable material for ear reconstruction
- Bone-anchored hearing aids bypass traditional ear canals
- Charitable foundations can provide life-changing surgeries at no cost to families
