Hearing loss in children: An inspirational story of a winner in real life!

Hearing awareness in Kids | All about hearing loss in kids!

#Hearingmatters For those kids who suffer hearing loss in their early start of life. Something every parent of a child with hearing loss must know. #mustread #hearingloss #kidsdisability

The life of a blogger is indeed challenging, yet rewarding. And, I was really happy to opt for an activity wherein I was to meet an amazingly admirable child who was detected with complete “sensorineural hearing loss” in both her ears, when she was barely few months old.

Every parent gets his/her child tested for long farsightedness but it’s very rare that parents get their children tested for hearing loss in the early months of their lives. Hearing loss is often not taken seriously or rather not understood clearly in India, despite the fact that every year, crores of Indian children are born with hearing loss or are detected with a certain level of hearing loss. Unless right action to raise hearing loss awareness is taken, up to 630 million cases of hearing loss are expected to come up around the world by 2030.

Sensorineural hearing loss, refers to the damage in cochlea or the inner ear and there are many children who face hearing issues. When a parent gets to know of these facts, they feel devastated with outbursts of emotions, which is well understood. But, what one needs to realize is that with the correct treatment, most of the kids with hearing loss can very easily hear again and grow up without any Linguistic, speech or social developmental issues.

What matters here is a “Quick and early decision”. Early medical intervention is the best way to help your child grow normally. With many researches around, it has been proved that children who get amplification before a year of their birth can develop language skills that are at par with their hearing peers.

So, let’s meet Anushka Nandini, a Bilateral Cochlear implant receiver from the age of 1 year! #HearingMatters

Anushka is a real champion in life and the way she has progressed cannot really be described with all emotions here. We crib for small happenings in our lives but what about this 8-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (in both ears)? She has brought her skills out in a commendable way.

Let’s begin our journey to know more about Anushka, how her parents reacted in the situations, what are her aspirations and more.

Knowing of Anushka’s hearing loss:

The ever smiling munchkin, was touching all the baby milestones as per the recommended ages. It was the age when she should have been responding to rattles and her family observed that sometimes, in spite of the rattle being played in front of her eyes, she used to look in different directions rather than towards the rattle. Basically the eyes and ears were not functioning in synchronization. But it did not raise much suspicion and was ignored for a while.

One day, she was crawling, along with her cousin brother, both of whom were of 7-months-old. There was a loud thump, as a steel glass fell from her mama’s hand. While everyone looked behind to see what had been crashed, she did not turn and react. To her, it was all calm.

This was the turning point, when Anushka’s mom and dad thought of a hearing checkup.

The Journey:

It was difficult, rather painful, for the parents to know that there was some issue with her hearing. Their hearts were not ready to accept anything, while their brains were processing in a different direction. They left no stone unturned and visited the best hospitals in Delhi, be it AIIMS or Apollo, with multiple visits. They had to accept the fact that their daughter was suffering from complete hearing loss, in both ears.

Experienced doctors guided them to go for the Cochlear Implant surgery. Mama’s heart was indeed pained. She was not even one year by then, she was still a small baby. As a couple, they did tremendous research by reading papers online, reaching out to discussions with friends, knowing the story of more such children with hearing loss. With all the facts in their hands, they had to be strong. They didn’t want to waste a single day in the life of their princess. They were adamant that her hearing loss should never cripple her overall development.

And so, with a strong will power, they took the decision of getting a Bilateral Cochlear Implant (Implant in both the ears) from cochlear, a global leader, on her 1st Birthday at Apollo Hospital, Delhi!

To me, this could have been the best gift for Anushka, which made her a super confident girl, what she is today, what I felt after meeting her.

Journey after Surgery:

Things were not easy. Her parents and more so, her mama, had to be strong as a rock and help her achieve every milestone. For the next 2 years she regularly took Anushka for the Auditory-Verbal Therapy.

It is a specialized therapy designed to help children understand speech and learn to talk and communicate. It promotes natural conversation and helps kids to listen and process that language and then speak up or respond. It envisages a clear speech and it was tremendously beneficial in Anushka’s case. It sort of never delayed her to have a clear speech. This implant and therapy were turning out to be a God sent gift for Mr. Alok and Ms. Shweta, parents of Anushka.

Benefits they feel:

It has been 7 years that Anushka has had an implant. She is in one of Delhi’s best schools, Delhi Public school, doing wonders in her studies and extracurricular activities.

She has come out as a winner in almost all the “spellathon’s” and loves her drawing to such an extent that she makes some amazing Rangoli designs as well. Her certificates speak of the proud parents and the child. She loves listening to music, and dances with perfection. None of her interests have been hampered, as she loves playing sports, listens to music, watches movies, talks on phone and all the things a child loves.

When I visited her, she was tying up her skates and was ready to roll. For now, she wishes to be a “SKATING CHAMPION”. Her dedication and amazing will power, with the help of her parents has made her a fore runner in every activity she participates. And all this was due to their “Right Decision at the Right time”, the cochlear implant, which her parents give credit to.

Advice from Anushka’s parents:

1. Be apt and observant in the initial months when it comes to the sensory part of babies. In case of any doubt, don’t keep it to yourself, rather, visit the paediatrician and sort out the worries. A child’s best future can be only when the issues are detected on time and a medical action is taken as soon as possible.

2. Believe Doctors, science and not Myths: So many parents lose out the early precious time of their kids, just due to the numerous family interpretations and advice to opt for some homeopathy or other alternative medicinal practices. Many Indian people have deep faith in guru’s. We don’t ask you to lose that, but in such medical cases, it goes as a serious advice from her parents to approach and consult multiple doctors, research for yourself and take the decision without any delay. If a child is suffering from severe or 100% sensorineural hearing loss, the best thing is to get the implant. An outstanding Anushka’s, is a real life case, who has proved that if strong decisions are taken early in life, it can never hamper a child’s development, be it cognitive or emotional or even social.

3. Be strong and social: Limiting a child to four corners will lead to an inferiority complex. So, engage with the child, understand their psychology, allow them to be a part of social gatherings, it will generate a “sense of normalcy” in child and help boosting the confidence. The inferiority complex will never even touch your child.

4. Hearing loss should be made socially acceptable and there should be more awareness around it with parents actively talking about it.

5. Further, since this cochlear implant may not always be affordable for all families, government support is much needed for the weaker sections. An easy, quick, transparent and hassle free process is a must for the benefit of these kids, so that they get the right surgery at an early stage and do not suffer any developmental loss.

6. Also, often friends come forward to support in financial ways. This gift from friends, received on medical grounds for hearing impaired kids, should be granted as Tax free in IT Act.

7. New born hearing screening should be mandated for every infant after the birth. The medical laws need to be framed around them and the hearing screening should be made available and a must in every hospital in India. This will help parents save the child’s precious developmental months and take the right decision at the right time!

Hola mama’s and papa’s, I would love to know your views on this Inspirational child and the journey. Did you witness similar case and how was the journey for those parents and children? 

Let’s be aware Parent!

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Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 54 Comments

  1. What an great story, my parents have been working with medical charities in India for over 20 years and the stories they have are amazing. One of the hardest issues they have to overcome is the parents not believing the doctors, like you said. Thank you for sharing this!

    1. Jhilmil

      Yes, that is one of the challenge, parents may go to baba’s but not believe in doctors which delays every medical need of the child. Thanks for reading this.

  2. What a brave girl and inspirational story. I have a cousin who had a child that was deaf. With loads of tests later and aids he now can hear with aids which is great.

  3. Thank you for sharing this very inspirational story. I think it’s something not talked about enough, thank you for bringing this topic up for conversation.

  4. Alison Rost

    It’s not an easy journey especially for a child that young. I’m glad that they were able to figure out her hearing loss beforehand and they were able to do something about it. She has a bright future ahead of her.

  5. Laurence

    I must say, that it was hard for Anushka to have a hearing loss but it’s a lot more pain for a parents to hear that for their kid. I’m glad she’s doing well now and what a great journey.

  6. Dalene Ekirapa

    Anushka is definitely a strong champion and we celebrate her. It’s very nice to see her parents standing strong by her through her treatment and therapy ; and even school as much as they were obviously breaking down inside. Early diagnosis and early treatment is very important no doubt!

  7. Great useful information here for all parents. Anushka is a brave one. I am so inspired by her story.

  8. Gene Rose

    I have a friend in India, he also said that child medical concerns aren’t that popular in some areas in India. But Anushka is such an angel and a fighter together with her family. Really inspiring story.

  9. toastycritic

    It would be devastating to find out your child had hearing loss at such a young age. It’s great that they have something like this to improve a child’s hearing though.

  10. Sangeeta

    Truly inspiring to read about such success stories and how the surgery helped them a lot.

  11. nameeshn24

    This truly is an inspirational story. I appreciate the promptness by parents to sort out this matter and help Anushka to hear. The points mentioned by her parents, especially not following myth and being prompt were very critical. I wish the girl best of luck in her life.

  12. Varsha Gode

    Such an inspirational story 🙂 I am glad Anushka is all fine now, thanks to her parents. Being strong and social is the most important thing for kids to face the world without hesitation.

  13. lex

    Inspiration at its peak. No one wants to see a child not even there child suffer such. Glad it went positively at the end of it all. Am toched by this post right now.

  14. Sigrid Says Blog

    This is an inspirational story. And you know, this reminds me once again to extend my patience with my own kids. Bless the parents.

  15. Sarah

    This was truly a very inspirational story which will definitely be so motivating to parents going through similar situations

  16. Priscilla Barton

    I recently played a lot of videos to my kids because they are causing me to lose my hearing! The high pitched screams and whining has really been bothering me. Thanks for this post, I will read it to my kids to add to their awareness.

  17. Pujarini Mitra

    Such a strong and brave girl. I am glad they were able to diagnose and treat it. Must have been really hard for her parents. I wish Anushka all the best,

  18. Brittney

    What an inspirational story! I love watching those videos online of people hearing for the first time.. so sweet

  19. tuggu.n.mommy

    Wow that’s an informative read. Thanks for sharing this.

  20. jhilmildsaha

    Its so nice to see her leading a normal life with cochlear implant. This is an inspirational read and patents should know about it

  21. Purple Dreams

    Great read, felt tears in my eye! I strongly support the fact that you need to believe the doctors and the modern science and not any myths!!! There will be people around saying this and that, but trusting the doctors and the good God is the only one thing one should focus on!

  22. Mrinal Kiran

    She is a beautiful kid! It’s hard for parents, but it is harder if they dont face it! Hope every such kid gets such strong and open minded parents who believe in medicine and not blind faith

  23. Bushra Khan

    Really important that us as parents should make sure of the timely development of our kids! Truly inspiring!

  24. preetjyotkaur

    More power to Anushka. There really needs to be more awareness about this.

  25. Papri Ganguly

    It feels great to know a child like her. She is a winner already. Inspiring story.

  26. mominks

    Thank you for sharing. This is important information about hearing loss. What an inspirational story. — Allyson, Mom Inks

  27. apsara mishra

    Loved ur story a lot..

    True said parents need to overcome kids problems.

  28. Ms Tantrum Blog

    What an inspiring story! Anushka is such a strong child and her parents strong will and dedication is commendable too. I live in the UK and remember my son’s hearing was tested just after the birth as well as during regular checkups for first few months. I hope Hospitals in India make it a compulsory test for all the babies to avoid such problems and immediate help can be provided to the families if reqd.

    Akanksha

  29. Ashh

    Anushka is such a talented kid. I like the tips and suggestions from her parents. I also wish the hearing tests are made compulsory for all newborns.

    Ashh

  30. rhianwestbury

    It must be devastating to hear that your child has hearing difficulties but it’s good to know that there are options and ways around it x

  31. drbushran

    So strong and lively she’s at such a small age. Indeed inspiration and no doubt cochlear implant become a life changer for her

  32. Dipika Singh

    An inspirational story here Jhilmil, everyone has the right to hear and get heard. Aware parents can make a huge difference in child’s life. As this little champs parents have suggested act before you react. Wonderful.

  33. Robert Hoffman

    Its always wonderful to here about success stories with implants. I also appreciate your 4th point above regarding hearing loss and making it more socially acceptable. Here is in the states there are very strong and active Deaf / ASL communities that are very supportive of families in similar situations.

  34. Kweni

    The famous saying “Prevention is better than cure.” has always been neglected. Your post is worth sharing for the awareness it provides. That’s why they should develop a hearing test during the early stages of life to prevent further damage.

  35. morry

    that was heartrending. It is difficult for young children, but i am glad that they figured it out. keep up the good work and keep bringing such wonderful articles.

  36. eregaillard

    what a strong beautiful girl! glad she was able to get this blessing

  37. Akamatra

    They had to face such difficult times! I am glad everything is better now and she is thriving!

  38. Deepa Shri Rajan

    Anushka has got the best parents in the world. Very inspiring article.

  39. taylermorrell

    What an inspiring story. How wonderful for Anushka and her amazing supportive parents!

  40. SJAY

    Such a strong girl with an inspiring story! Great advice from the parents as well. Showing much love to the family xo

  41. Tria

    I loved your content and it made me realize that there is so much awareness that I could bring by writing or blogging about it! Thanks for what you shared!

  42. Aziel Morte

    I really love her stories so inspiring and she’s so brave all parents should read this beautiful story.

  43. Geraline Batarra

    This is very inspiration story and she is really brave. Honestly, this story touched my heart and really made me cry.

  44. emman damian

    Sometimes a disability can be an advantage. I really admire those with special needs who really strive to be the best. I have all the respect for them.

  45. London Mumma

    What an inspirational and beautiful story of a brave young girl. It highlights to me that we do need to be extra vifilant with our little ones.

  46. This is such an inspirational story and I am so happy to know that she is now leading a normal life. Parents should definitely read this article!

  47. Criddlemethis

    It must be such a scary experience, especially as a child. Glad this story has a happy ending

  48. Michele Dennis

    What a touching and inspirational story. I’m glad the parents recognized that there was a problem with her hearing and that her bilateral cochlear implant surgery was successful!

  49. Rachel

    Thank you for sharing such a remarkable story! It is very important that people understand the value and importance of medical science!

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