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Nancy West Silva is our joyful 6‑year‑old daughter whose love for singing and dancing brightens every day. From the moment she was born, we knew she was special and at birth, she was diagnosed with microtia and moderate/severe conductive hearing loss in her right ear. Microtia is a congenital condition where the external ear is underdeveloped, affecting both appearance and the way sound reaches the inner ear.
Her Journey So Far
Diagnosis at birth: Nancy’s microtia and hearing loss were confirmed immediately after delivery. From the start, we’ve known we would explore reconstructive and hearing‑support options to give her the best quality of life.
Growing self‑awareness: As Nancy has gotten older, we’ve noticed subtle changes in her self‑esteem, she now prefers to wear her hair down to cover her ear and has started asking more questions after peers notice the difference. These moments remind us how important it is to address both her hearing needs and emotional well‑being before they affect her confidence further.
CT scan results: A recent CT scan confirmed Nancy has underdeveloped middle ear anatomy, but she remains an optimal candidate for MEDPOR reconstruction surgery. This procedure is expected to significantly improve both her ear’s appearance and her hearing ability.
Private consultation: In May, we recently met with Dr. Youssef Tahiri, a leading microtia specialist in Los Angeles, to better understand her treatment options and long‑term outcomes.
Why We Chose Dr. Youssef Tahiri
- World-renowned microtia specialist based in Los Angeles
- Over 2,300 successful MEDPOR ear reconstructions performed
- Collaborates closely with the original developer of the MEDPOR technique
- Known for natural-looking, lasting results
- Families travel globally for his expert, compassionate care
- Gives us confidence Nancy will receive the best possible treatment
Next Steps
Nancy will undergo MEDPOR ear reconstruction to create a natural‑looking ear structure. We are also planning for an Osia™ bone conduction implant, which works by transmitting sound vibrations through bone to the inner ear, bypassing the underdeveloped outer ear and greatly improving hearing. A properly shaped ear will also assist in directing sound naturally toward her inner ear.
About the Procedure
The MEDPOR technique uses a biocompatible framework shaped to Nancy’s ear, covered by her own tissue, to create a realistic, permanent ear in a single stage. This approach avoids rib cartilage harvesting and allows for surgery at a younger age reducing psychological impact and improving confidence earlier in life.
Insurance and Financial Challenge
Dr. Tahiri’s practice does not accept insurance directly. While his procedures can sometimes be covered as an out‑of‑network service with prior approval, our previous attempts in 2022 were denied under a similar coverage type. To move forward, a change in insurance plan is required to even attempt out‑of‑network approval. Even with partial coverage, there will still be significant out‑of‑pocket costs for surgery, travel, and post‑operative care in Los Angeles. As of Today (Sept 2025), the cost for the surgery without insurance is just over $70,000.
How You Can Help
- Your support will go directly toward:
- Surgical costs for MEDPOR reconstruction
- Osia bone‑anchored hearing implant
- Travel and accommodations during the required recovery period
- Post‑operative follow‑up care
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps Nancy take a step toward a future where she feels confident in her appearance and supported in her hearing journey. Sharing this campaign with friends and family is just as impactful.
Thank you for helping us give Nancy the opportunity to shine, hear, and live confidently.