'It has been so positive for him, especially getting his hearing aids' - Ulster Hospital's Paediatric audiology team transform lives of children with hearing loss
Diagnosed with Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL) at just 12 weeks old, little Kade McCartan’s family has praised the compassionate care and ongoing help provided by the Paediatric Audiology Team at the Ulster Hospital.
Kade’s mum, Kirsty, from Belfast, explained how she and Kade’s dad, Kyle, first learned about their son’s hearing condition through the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.
Recalling the moment, Kirsty said, “I was a bit shocked, I was not expecting it. But the staff here have been so helpful. They have been brilliant and have made the whole process much easier for our family since Kade was diagnosed.”
Kirsty described their experience with the Paediatric Audiology Service as overwhelmingly positive.
“It has been the best thing for Kade,” she said. “It has been so positive for him, especially getting his hearing aids.
“We attend regularly for Kade’s hearing tests and for new ear mould fittings as he grows.
"We have a great relationship with the Audiology Team, if I ever have any questions, I just email them and they get back to me straight away.” As Kade approaches his first birthday, Kirsty reflected on the progress he has made.
“Kade is starting to babble away to himself, which I do not think he would have been able to do if he had not received his hearing aids when he did,” she said.
South Eastern Trust, Ulster Hospital Paediatric Lead, Clare Snaith, explained, “We assess babies and children from birth right through to 18 years of age.
"We provide a wide range of diagnostic tests and where appropriate, offer hearing aids as part of a child’s rehabilitation.”
“It has been wonderful to see Kade grow from a newborn into an almost one-year-old,” she added.
"We fitted him with hearing aids early on and he continues to attend regularly for ear mould fittings and hearing aid adjustments.
“My role is incredibly rewarding. I love working with children and seeing the difference we can make to their lives.”
Paediatric Lead Audiologist, Lisa Robinson also highlighted the impact of the service, “Paediatric Audiology is just so rewarding.
To see children come in for their tests and to see them getting results and be able to reassure a family that everything is ok, or to support children with hearing loss with onward referrals to our ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) department is so rewarding. “To get to know the families and meet the babies such as little Kade is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.”