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.

This bright smile is possible because of the kindness and generosity of people like you.

Grace continues to receive the specialised support she needs during the most critical years of her development. 

When Grace was born with permanent hearing loss, her future felt uncertain. Today, Grace is thriving. She is learning to hear, listen and speak, growing in confidence and enjoying school. 

Grace’s mum, Hayley, shared these words… 

“The first time I heard Grace make her first sounds and words was overwhelming. I am hopeful that, with continued support, Grace will continue to overcome her hearing and speech hurdles. It is so wonderful to see happy, successful adults who have come through TSH.” 

Because of caring supporters like you, more children can access life changing early support when it matters most. 

Thank you for giving families hope, confidence and the reassurance that their child can look forward to a brighter future. 

Your kindness is changing lives, one child, one family and one precious first word at a time.

Thank you for your generosity and gracious support.

Carole Steketee
TSH Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Our work continues every day. If you’d like to help more children like Grace, you can still make a donation using the button below. 

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