Fifteen-year-old Reid Newman recently presented a $3000 check to House Ear Institute representing the result of his lobbying efforts among his fellow students at Pasadena’s Mayfield Junior School.  Each year the 8th grade class at Mayfield spends its year raising funds through activities that support the spirit of the community.  The class then selects worthwhile non-profit organizations to receive the funds raised.

The 8th grade class chose House Ear Institute as one of the nonprofits to receive the funds based on Reid’s persuasive efforts at an assembly where he spoke about his own experience with hearing loss.

“House Ear Institute has been a huge help in my life. I have been going to House since I was an infant and I am now 15 years old,” said Reid.  “During all this time, House has provided me with support, aid, and advice for treatment for my hearing loss. I would not be as successful today if it was not for all of the help, time and energy the doctors and professionals have given me.”

Reid has Goldenhar Syndrome, bilateral hearing loss and microtia on the right side.   Over the years, Reid has had two stapedectomy surgeries on his left ear but both surgeries were unsuccessful. 

“My doctor at House is so kind and patient with my questions.  He provided me with a great alternative when two operations failed and I am grateful for that,” said Reid. 

In April 2010, Dr. Derald Brackmann of House Clinic surgically implanted a Ponto bone anchored hearing aid on Reid’s right side.   He continues to wear a behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid on the left side.  Since receiving the Ponto, Reid has said the sound quality is much better.   

According to Reid, “House has treated my hearing loss so that I hear as well as possible.  As a result, I attend regular school and manage fine as long as I sit in the front of the class.”

Reid is also grateful for his audiologist, Margaret Winter.  “My audiologist is incredible.  She always offers me advice on which hearing aids to use and provides me with a loaner hearing aid when something is wrong with my hearing aids.”

Reid told 500 of his schoolmates, “House Ear Institute changes people’s lives for the better.  I have been incredibly fortunate and Mayfield’s contribution is one way I can pay back all that I have gotten over the years.”