Grace’s Story
Sadly, I have heard from so many families with young children who have failed their newborn hearing test. An unexpected diagnosis can feel like their entire world has turned upside down.
One of our mums, Hayley, was shocked to receive this exact news for her baby girl, Grace. She feared her little one wouldn’t be able to hear music, express herself with her own words, connect with loved ones or even play with other children.
Hayley was worried, unsure what Grace’s future would look like, and unclear where to turn.
Grace was diagnosed with permanent hearing loss in both ears and began wearing hearing aids at just six weeks old.
From the very beginning, she needed highly specialised support to learn how to listen through her hearing aids, understand the sounds she can hear, and begin developing the skills needed to eventually speak.
Even with hearing aids, listening is not automatic for Grace, and understanding speech requires a lot of concentration and effort. Simply keeping up with the world around her is exhausting. While her hearing aids open the door to some sounds, they are only the beginning. Grace needs ongoing specialised support through multiple therapy sessions each week, and continued care for the rest of her life.
Unfortunately, hearing loss is not Grace’s only hurdle. As her speech develops, making clear sounds is also very difficult for her.
Grace is already trying so hard to simply hear, but she has to put in even more effort just to say her words.
Ongoing care for Grace continues as she works with the same TSH speech therapist she met at the start of her journey.
Grace is receiving specialised support to help her listen and speak. When new challenges arise, she is met with confidence, understanding and trust.
This is exactly what your donation makes possible for Grace. But right now, not every child has the same opportunity.
In our 60-year history, we have never experienced so many families needing a helping hand for their child. We are facing unprecedented demand for specialised care and support.
With your kindness, children with hearing loss can receive the care they need.
Without it, children like Grace risk missing the critical early window to develop their speech, and the impact can sadly last a lifetime.
With a gift of $50, you can help a child start their hearing loss journey, just like Grace did. A gift of $150 helps a child learn to speak, while a gift of $250 helps a child with hearing loss feel supported in the classroom. Every donation, makes an important difference to a child’s life.
Your support will ensure more children like Grace don’t miss the critical early window to help them learn to listen and speak. Please give by 30 June 2026 to help more children get the support they need in time.
Thank you for your generosity and gracious support.
Carole Steketee
TSH Chief Executive Officer
