Elizabethton High School students recently received a crash course on National Microtia Awareness Day, an important tool to help promote kindness and awareness across the world.

And you can’t beat the opportunity to learn more about young Brody Hurley.

Brody, his mother, Elizabethton teacher, Dayla, and Oticon audiologist Brittney Whitlock were able to visit health science classes at the high school, taught by Ms. Katie Dugger, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, to share stories about microtia — having underdeveloped or missing ears — and atresia — having hearing loss due to underdeveloped or missing ear canals.

“It is important to our family to bring awareness about microtia because it is personal for us,” said Dayla. “We have a son with bilateral microtia/atresia and we have become aware of other differences that so many people live with. Each person has a unique story and above all it is important to us that we encourage kindness to others.”

Tuesday was a unique opportunity for the trio as they delved into ear anatomy, normal hearing processes, microtia/atresia, hearing loss, devices along with learning more about Brody’s journey to hearing. It was a follow-up to the national day that was recognized Thursday, Nov. 9.

“It was a wonderful experience for students and Brody,” Dayla said. “Brody enjoyed making new friends and sharing his story of hearing. It was good for students to interact with Brody, seeing that he can play and learn like other 5-year-olds, only requiring a few hearing adaptations. Students were able to learn about possible health professions they can pursue.”

The growth of awareness for microtia has been a joy for the Hurley family. On a national level, moviegoers will have the chance to learn more with the debut of “Wonder” starring Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts.

“The movie opens in theaters this Friday and we are excited,” Dayla said. “Auggie, the fifth grade student in ‘Wonder,’ has a syndrome that causes craniofacial changes as well as microtia. We are thrilled to bring public attention to all people’s outward differences and the importance of responding to all with kindness. Though we each look different on the outside, inside we are all human. All humans desire acceptance, friendship, and belonging.

“Microtia is just one example of an outward characteristic that makes a person stand out but so many people face their own individual battles,” he added. “We want people to be informed so they can have a kinder understanding.”

Individuals wanting to learn more about microtia/atresia have a variety of tools to choose from. Visit http://hurleysadventuresinfaith.blogspot.com/2016/10/microtiawhats-microtia.html to learn more about Brody’s story. Locally, residents can also visit www.waitingtohear.org to receive more information about hearing-impaired children.