Case studies
Living with childhood deafness
Lancashire mum urges parents to fight for their children’s precious hearing
Five years ago, when her twin boys were born full term and healthy, Lisa Preston – a mum from Heysham in Lancashire - never expected that 12 weeks later Alexander and Jacob would get the first of many ear infections, leading to a series of operations and ultimately resulting in hearing loss for one of her sons.
Parents need more information on ear infections
A Leeds mum is urging parents to become better informed about children’s ear infections following her less than positive experiences when trying to get a diagnosis and cure for her daughter, Eliza.
Shocked at severity of son’s ear infection
A Derbyshire mum was shocked at the severity of the ear infections suffered by her son, and believes that if she had been better informed, he might have been referred for specialist treatment earlier.
Frustrated at lack of understanding of ‘glue ear’
Samantha Leonard’s son Cade suffered a lot with ear infections, colds and sore throats as a baby and Samantha recalls that he failed a hearing test at 9 months old carried out by a health visitor, but this was never followed up.
Taken by surprise by toddler’s hearing loss
Lucy Burns from Cheshire was taken by surprise when her baby daughter experienced glue ear and some hearing loss, and thinks parents need to be better informed so they can spot the signs earlier and seek appropriate treatment.
Tired in class and lacks concentration
Oliver Sandell, 10, has glue ear and is having problems at school. He is frequently tired in class and lacks concentration, common symptoms of the condition.
Dramatic improvement after operation
Mae Kelly, five, was diagnosed with glue ear in September 2003. Her condition was so bad that within a year she had an operation to insert grommets and remove both her adenoids and tonsils. Within two weeks her parents noticed a considerable difference in Mae's hearing, far exceeding expectations.
Recurring bouts of glue ear
Hannah suffered recurring bouts of glue ear from the age of three to 12. Ongoing problems caused by the glue ear still affect Hannah, now 18 and at university.
Perforated ear drums adds complications
Fiona Short's daughter Sarah has had glue ear for over a year. Complicated by perforated ear drums, the glue ear caused worrying hearing problems until hearing aids and an adenoidectomy improved the situation.
Early assessment necessary
Peter Woolley's son, Barnaby, had glue ear last winter.
Confused and frustrated by inconsistent advice
Annetta Grams-Byrne's daughter Maja, who is 4 years old, has had glue ear for nearly three years. Related hearing problems, long waiting lists for a grommet operation and varying medical opinions about the best treatment have, at times, left Annetta confused and frustrated.
