Give the gift of sound to children like Savannah

Donate today to our Christmas Appeal 🎄

Imagine a hearing loss diagnosis for your newborn baby, and the uncertainty and emotion that follows. As they grow, will they be able to communicate and connect with their loved ones and the world around them?

For nearly 60 years, TSH (Teach, Speak, Hear), formerly known as Telethon Speech and Hearing, has supported children with hearing loss, speech delays and language difficulties.

As we approach Christmas, I’m asking for your help. Right now, more children than ever are desperately waiting for TSH’s hearing, speech and early intervention support services, and your help today can make all the difference.

Savannah failed her newborn hearing screening, and her family was told that it was probably fluid in her ears and “normal”. So, a few weeks later, thinking it was nothing serious, her mum took her for a follow-up hearing test. After screening, it was determined that Savannah had a severe to profound hearing loss in her right ear. This took her mum by shock; with no family history of hearing loss, she felt completely unprepared.

Savannah was diagnosed with unilateral, severe to profound sensory neural hearing loss in her right ear, meaning she has a permanent hearing loss from birth. In addition to her hearing loss, she had persistent glue ear and therefore poor access to sound in both ears.

From that moment, Savannah’s parents were plunged into a world of uncertainty and fear.

They didn’t know what Savannah’s future would look like. Having a newborn while navigating specialist appointments, hearing aids, and making rapid decisions after the diagnosis was overwhelming.

With the help of caring supporters like you, Savannah started therapy with the team at TSH at six months of age. Mum recalls feeling a sense of belonging, seeing other children with hearing aids and it was nice to be around parents who understood.

Cochlear implant surgery was carried out just before Savannah turned three. For the first year, the implant was not working as expected. It was a heartbreaking setback. But with the persistence of the team at TSH, the implant was recently able to be adjusted.

By having the support of TSH’s therapy, Savannah’s speech and language is now remarkable, and she is hitting the milestones for her age.

With time and patience and a lot of support, Savannah’s confidence has blossomed. She loves coming to TSH and looks forward to it each week.

Savannah is one of the lucky ones, receiving crucial early intervention from just six months old. But sadly, so many children with hearing loss don’t receive the support they need. Early access to sound is essential for connection and to develop speech and language skills. Your gift today can help a child like Savannah access the vital early intervention therapies that can change the course of their lives.

This Christmas, your generosity really does make a difference for kids with hearing loss, giving them the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

With a gift of $150, you can help a child like Savannah access speech therapy. A gift of $200 can provide a hearing assessment to a family in need. Or you can choose an amount that feels right for you – every donation helps give the gift of sound, speech and hope.

Because of gracious supporters like you, children like Savannah are not only seen and supported – they are being set up for success in life. Your generosity helps lay the groundwork for a brighter future, filled with learning, confidence and opportunity. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of children who need it most.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and hope-filled Christmas.

Carole Steketee
TSH Chief Executive Officer

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