A Cochlear Implant patient story
At 5 days old, Ava Pearson was diagnosed as profoundly deaf. Lauren and Chris, parents of 2yr old Ava Pearson recently shared their story with The Portland Hospital. We were very grateful to talk with her parents to learn more about this family’s journey and how they have come through this with extremely positive results.
Finding out that my new-born baby girl was severely deaf broke my heart. I just imagined the worst…that she would grow up not being able to hear or communicate properly. All these dreadful thoughts run through your mind and I was unaware of the treatments that were available.
After finding out about Ava’s condition, Lauren and Chris did extensive research to see what treatment options were available, and came across the Cochlear Implant. They immediately booked an appointment with the Cochlear Implant team at The Portland Hospital to see if she was eligible for the implant. It was good news: she was a perfect candidate for the procedure! The 1st operation took place when she was 9 months old and the 2nd at 14 months.
After Ava’s first operation, I could see the improvement in a matter of weeks. It was amazing to see her reacting to noise! I was so excited and felt such a sense of relief. Now I find myself forgetting that she even began her life with this challenge. Her hearing is improving every day and she has become such a chatterbox!
As part of the treatment package, the Cochlear Implant team at The Portland Hospital work closely with Auditory Verbal UK, a registered charity which teaches deaf babies and children to listen and speak, using Auditory Verbal Therapy. They offer fortnightly therapy sessions to children and their families. Now only two years later, with the support and guidance from the Cochlear Implant team at The Portland Hospital and AVUK, Ava has developed age-appropriate spoken language skills!
The Portland Hospital has been great – supportive at every step of the way. I felt very confident that Ava was in the best hands with the best technology. The staff makes you feel at ease and you almost feel like part of the family. I want to let people know that there are options available and the cochlear implant has changed Ava’s life. So my advice is do not ever give up hope.” Lauren Pearson (Ava’s mother).
For further information please contact The Portland Hospital Audiology Department on 020 7390 6573.
Recent media coverage includes:
The Evening Standard
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23822030-girl-born-deaf-is-a-chatterbox-after-successful-ear-implant-operation.do
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1024651/The-14-month-old-girl-hear-time.html
One Comment
Great to know that this technology exists and that it really works. What a fantastic little girl – and to see that she is developing as well as other children her age. Amazing!