Hearing & Devices
In this section you can watch real stories from children and young people. Learn about hearing devices for microtia. Parents and professionals also share their experiences and advice. These videos help children feel understood and help families feel more informed.
Click the YouTube icon on each video to view the description and question timestamps.
Children & Young People
A young person's experience of wearing a hearing device -
Alkyoni
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Alkyoni shares that wearing a hearing band helps her hear better and take part in everyday activities.
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Taking responsibility for your hearing band, keeping it clean and changing the battery helps you look after your device.
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Alkyoni reminds us that it’s okay to wear your hearing band when you need it and feel confident when you’re not wearing it too.
Young person reflections on: Hearing experiences and using a hearing device - by Jess
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Jess shares that hearing devices can make it easier to hear what’s happening around you and follow conversations.
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Try different support, such as a radio microphone in class, to find what helps you hear better.
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Her experience of having a hearing loss inspired her to work in audiology and support others with their hearing.
A young person's experience of wearing hearing implants - by Isaac
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Isaac talks about how his hearing devices have changed over the years, from a headband to magnetic implants.
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He explains how his hearing devices help him at school and how he has become more confident in asking for help.
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Isaac shares how he manages his hearing loss during activities like swimming and football.
Parents & Families
Parent and child thoughts on hearing devices -
Isaac & Tammy
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Isaac shares that hearing devices can help you hear sounds more clearly, and it’s worth exploring different options to find what works for you.
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You can learn to manage your own hearing devices including changing the batteries.
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You can personalise your hearing devices with stickers to make them feel more like you.
Parent reflections on: Hearing aid use and experiences
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Zoe and Tina share how trying different hearing devices can help you find what works best for you.
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Your feelings and choices about wearing a hearing device matter, especially as you get older and become more independent.
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Keep asking questions and speaking to your audiology team to make sure you know what support and options are available.
Getting hearing implants as an adult - James
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James shares how trying a hearing device helped make everyday conversations easier.
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If you have hearing loss, don't be afraid to ask for help. Trying different hearing devices can help you find out what works best for you.
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James shares that you are not less capable because you have microtia or hearing loss. Don't let it define you or stop you from doing the things you love!
Adults
Experience of using hearing device -
Katie
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Katie shares that hearing devices have made a positive difference to her life, but every child’s hearing needs are different.
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Involve your child in decisions about hearing support as they grow and listen to their preferences.
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Katie shares that having microtia should not stop you enjoying travelling.
Hearing journey and childhood -
Bethan
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Bethan’s story highlights the importance of raising awareness of microtia.
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Her negative childhood experiences affected confidence, highlighting the need for understanding and support.
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She encourages deaf children to embrace their differences.
From a Professional
How hearing works and hearing options for babies with microtia and atresia - Rachel
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Rachel explains how hearing tests work for babies with microtia and atresia.
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There are different hearing devices and support options to help you hear.
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Rachel shares that you don’t have to figure everything out at once.
Advice from an Audiologist working in an Implant Centre- Marsha
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Marsha explains that there are different hearing device options for people with microtia and atresia.
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Regular hearing checks are important to monitor changes in your hearing and make sure your hearing devices are working well.
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Support groups like Microtia UK can help you connect with other people and families who understand your experiences.
Hearing device implant surgery information -
Dr. Rob Nash
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Robert explains that hearing aids can make it easier to hear in noisy places like school.
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There are different types of hearing aids and implants and your audiology team can help you understand the options.
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You can ask questions, share your thoughts and be involved in decisions about your hearing as you grow up.
Information from a newborn hearing screener - Massy
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Massy explains that babies with microtia are referred straight to audiology for more detailed hearing tests.
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You will be given information about what happens next, so you and your family know what to expect.
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It is okay to have questions or feel worried. There are people who can help and support you and your family.
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Professionals may wish to explore the BAPRAS Standards for more information on Microtia Pathways.
Teacher of the Deaf advice on working with families - Vicky
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Hearing implants can help children with listening and communication.
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Implant surgery is carefully planned with families to make sure it is the right option for each child.
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There are different stages of the process with support all the way through.
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Vicky reminds us that every child’s journey with microtia is different, so take your time and don’t worry about knowing everything straight away.
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Be proud of yourself! Vicky encourages children to celebrate all the amazing things they can do.
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You can communicate in the way that works best for you, whether that’s spoken words, British Sign Language, or both.
Additional Resources
For more information and support, please
explore the following websites and resources.
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