Olivia’s Story

Olivia failed her newborn hearing screening test at two days old when we were about to take her home from the hospital. From then on, Olivia’s hearing journey has been complicated and challenging. With no family history and an older sibling without hearing loss, the diagnosis came as a complete shock to us all.

Olivia has a bimodal hearing profile with a profound loss in her right ear, requiring a cochlear implant, and moderate to severe loss in her left, supported with a hearing aid. Her hearing loss is genetic and progressive, bringing with it a busy schedule of appointments and an emotional rollercoaster. After weeks of tests, uncertainty and waiting, we were referred to TSH when Olivia was six weeks old.

Within a month or two of being part of the TSH Chatterbox program, providing early intervention support for children with hearing loss, we felt comforted, understood and grateful to have such a supportive team around us that were empathetic to what we were going through.

We found TSH a place of acceptance, where we felt heard, supported and safe. The opportunity to connect with other families all navigating similar challenges was also invaluable, it really helped us to feel less isolated and more hopeful.

The whole family has learnt so much from TSH and our approach to life at home has evolved to ensure Olivia’s development is always considered. Olivia’s older brother is also a huge advocate for his little sister and her “magic ears”, making sure he makes eye contact with her and checking she can hear and follow what he is saying, even using acoustic highlighting! TSH makes it easier for the families to get involved with their child’s development and we can all learn something from being more attentive to those around us.

A breakthrough moment for us as a family was when Olivia started responding to sounds and using her first words, a very special milestone. Today, she is developing at a level appropriate for her age, far exceeding our expectations.

We believe this progress is due to the expert support and care she receives at TSH. Olivia loves to come to Chatterbox, cheering with excitement when we arrive at “her school”. There is always so much for her to do, arts and crafts and sensory play would have to be her favourite things.

We know it’s going to be a hard road ahead, but Olivia is thriving in the Chatterbox program. As a family, we are invested in her progress and the TSH team continues to meet us with empathy and unwavering encouragement. We are all advocates for Olivia and we are in this together. We are hopeful for her future, knowing she is going to be okay.

TSH feels like family and Olivia has spent most of her life here. The team are so kind, caring, knowledgeable and professional. Despite how difficult times can be, it is a joy to be at Chatterbox – which is not something we ever thought would go hand in hand with this diagnosis. We leave Chatterbox feeling invigorated and to us it’s not just a program, it’s a place where confidence for children with hearing loss, and their families, can grow.

Rebecca – Olivia’s Mum.

“We feel like we can breathe when we come to TSH and that’s why we are so grateful for all the work they do. They really are making a difference to families.“

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