At Hearts for Hearing, every story is unique, just like each journey through hearing loss. For many parents, the path can be daunting, especially after a diagnosis. This was the reality for Copelin’s family when their son was born with unilateral Microtia and Atresia.
The Light of the Family
Nine-month-old Copelin is the youngest of four, adored by his siblings—Annistyn, Callen, and Cam. His parents, Sam and Kevin, say, “He lights up the room with his gummy smile!” Always ready for adventures, Copelin loves exploring in his stroller during family walks.
His parents experienced a mix of emotions before his birth, reflecting on it as their final journey into parenthood. After a normal pregnancy, they discovered something wasn’t quite right with Copelin’s left ear soon after his birth. Sam, Copelin’s mother, struggled with feelings of guilt and questions about her pregnancy. “Leaving the hospital was tough; we took him home unsure if he could hear,” she recalls.
It was confirmed that Copelin was born with Microtia and Atresia, conditions that affect about one in 5,000 births. Microtia affects the development of the ear in which the outer ear may be smaller, shaped differently, or not fully formed and Atresia refers to a blockage or absence of the ear canal, making it difficult for sound to pass through and reach the inner ear. Microtia and Atresia often happen together, but with the right care and support, children like Copelin can thrive.
Just five days after he was born, a hearing test performed at Hearts for Hearing revealed that Copelin had normal hearing in his right ear and a moderate loss in his left. “I was so grateful to know he could hear some!” Sam remembers.
Finding His Voice
After receiving a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA), Copelin began to engage with the world around him. With the love and support of his family, he is thriving and always full of smiles and laughter. “It’s been a rewarding journey,” says Sam. “We’re grateful for the care he’s received since day one.”
Sam and Kevin have big dreams for Copelin, vowing to ensure he has the same opportunities as his siblings. “We won’t take no for an answer regarding his accomplishments. We can’t wait to see how he uses his journey to inspire others!”
Words of Wisdom
For other families navigating a similar path, Sam and Kevin advise, “Don’t let a congenital birth defect steal your joy. Cherish every moment with your baby and take it one day at a time. There are opportunities for children with Microtia and Atresia to thrive, just like all kids.”
