A spaghetti benefit dinner will be held May 31 to help a 4-year-old boy born without ears undergo surgery.

Nicholas Soma, who lives in Ewa Beach with his parents and little sister, was born without ear canals and does not have fully formed ears. He is severely deaf and wears a headband hearing aid to help him hear about 65 percent of the sounds other people hear. The little boy, called "Niko" by family and friends, has learned to read lips and use sign language.

Soma underwent his first of three surgeries in California in March, when doctors began to build one of his ears.

All proceeds from the May 31 benefit dinner, held 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Nimitz Elementary School, will help cover costs of his second surgery next month.

The event will include live music, games, and hula and fire/knife dancing performances. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 12. Children ages 4 and under are free.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/friendsofnicholassoma or contact Nicholas' father, Lance Soma, at lsoma@accountant.com or 382-7662.