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ClientStories Nearly 70 years difference but a lot in common It’s not often that a four year old sets an example for her grandfather. But that’s exactly what happened when John Kenney’s granddaughter was diagnosed with severe hearing loss by the Australian Hearing team at Mt Gravatt. Eighteen months ago, John’s daughter Catherine Young discovered that her daughter Grace had a hearing problem. “Grace was nearly three years old when I first noticed there was a problem,” said Catherine. “We were playing a game of Chinese whispers with her sisters and I realised she literally couldn’t hear what was being said. Following a visit to our GP we were referred to Australian Hearing for an assessment.” Grace’s audiologist diagnosed a severe to profound hearing loss in her left ear and mild to moderate loss in her right. She was fitted with two hearing aids shortly after. “My initial reaction was shock,” recalls Catherine. “I think I cried for three days, not because Grace was hearing impaired but because of the barriers that may be put in front of her because she was different. I know it sounds strange but now I am grateful for her hearing loss. While it means extra time and cost, it also means extra love and closeness within our family and has widened our circle of friends. Grace’s hearing loss is far from the old term of a disability – it is a gift that is part of the uniqueness of Grace.” Grace enjoys visiting Australian Hearing to see her audiologist Karen McGhie. “Karen takes the time to explain everything and is always looking for ways to help Grace get the best from her hearing aids and so from her life,” said Catherine. With the aid of her teachers and speech pathologists at Yeerongpilly Special Education Unit she is progressing well. Grace not only wears her hearing aids comfortably all day, she’s very proud of them. “Each time she needs a new earmould she chooses a different colour – she’s gone from purple, to pink, to orange and now to blue. She is a real example to her grandfather!” said Catherine. For John Kenney, accepting his hearing loss was a lengthier process. Despite noticing he was missing the odd word and the drift of the conversation at social functions, John refused to even consider a hearing aid for a long time. “My mother had a hearing loss and was fitted with bulky metal aids which attached to her clothing with a lead to her right ear. They were never satisfactory and caused my mother embarrassment. Eventually she withdrew from outside conversations altogether,” said John. At 66 years of age, John finally put his prejudices and vanity aside and made an appointment for a hearing test. The consultant advised him to have two hearing aids. To John’s dismay, outside noises became intolerable as the hearing aids were simple amplifiers with no volume control. “I had totally given up hope until Catherine suggested that I have a consultation with Australian Hearing because they had helped Grace so much. So I made an appointment. After an extensive examination, they suggested I try a new hearing aid with different characteristics and controls. “I now use my aids continually and the results have been fantastic. They are exactly like my granddaughter’s except mine are clear instead of brightly coloured!” said John. Catherine is just as delighted with the outcome.“The relationship between Grace and her grandfather has deepened. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of acceptance of hearing loss and especially wearing the hearing aids. I think Grace has helped Dad to see his loss and the wearing of aids as normal – she says however that Granddad’s aren’t in pretty colours like hers!” Grace and grandfather John are the best of friends. 10 AustralianHearing
TwinsonWaughpath Twin cricket talents Nick and Andrew Watkins, 20, represented Australia during the 2004 Deaf Ashes Tour in Jan/Feb. Long term clients of our hearing centre in Mt Gravatt, Queensland, their severe hearing loss hasn’t kept them from realising their dream of playing cricket for Australia. In fact, proud mum Merrilyn Watkins attributes their sporting success to it. “Because of their hearing impairment, they didn’t sit around watching TV. They spent a lot of time practising their cricket instead.” Andrew says the only problem has been hearing the coach’s instructions. “They use signing to communicate with each other on the field, particularly when Andrew is bowling and Nick is keeping wickets,” said Merrilyn. “That way they don’t give away any secrets to the batsmen.” Andrew is captain of the Australian Deaf Cricket Team. Both have their coaching Outstanding sportsmen Nicholas and Andrew Watkins. certificates and are involved in coaching If it wasn’t for the support of their clinics for hearing and deaf children. family, friends and many coaches, Nick They even spent five months in England and Andrew are certain they wouldn’t last year playing in English clubs. It was be where they are. so successful they’re returning this year. “I got a hearing aid and lost weight!” When Melbourne grandmother Noela Pearson, 59, was fitted with hearing aids at the Australian Hearing Dandenong Centre, she was amazed with the results. “Not only could I hear again clearly for the first time in years but I lost weight too!” says a delighted Noela. Noela’s father suffered from industrial deafness and she clearly remembers getting frustrated with always having to repeat herself. Then when she was 23 years old and working as a receptionist, Noela noticed a ringing in her ears which was diagnosed as tinnitus. “Using the phone was a major part of my job. As my condition worsened I found that holding a meaningful conversation was becoming harder and felt isolated from my surroundings.” Operations did nothing to improve her situation. Then when she was told that even hearing aids couldn’t help, Noela gave up hope. That was back in 1974. “About five years ago I decided to try one last time and talked to my GP. He suggested I contact Australian Hearing to see if any modern hearing aids would help me. I’m glad I did because the technology had changed so much.” An audiologist at Australian Hearing Dandenong worked with Noela to find the correct solution for her needs. “The day I received my hearing aids, the world opened up to me – I could hear the birds sing and my grandchildren seemed to have learnt to talk clearly overnight! I could join in conversations and enjoy the asides and jokes instead of feeling disconnected,” said Noela. “Previously at family lunches or parties I couldn’t make out what people were saying and join in the chit-chat so I simply focused on the food. “But with my new hearing aids I’m now very much a part of the friendly banter and food is secondary. So I’m eating only a portion of what I used to. And because these aids don’t whistle when I’m out walking, I’m exercising more and am fitter than ever. Who would have thought it - happiness, fitness and weight loss, all from a couple of tiny hearing aids!” Hear&Now 11
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