Days are busy for four-year-old Aubree, who enjoys drawing up a storm, reading books and making the most of the Queensland seasons playing outside with friends.
Aubree also loves coming to learn and play with her Hear and Say listening and spoken language therapist, Elizabeth, one of the specialist team supporting Aubree in the development of her hearing, listening and speaking skills.
“Hear and Say has been able to help Aubree in so many ways,” said Aubree’s mum, Lacey.
“We first heard about Hear and Say through our support worker at Queensland Children’s Hospital after Aubree’s diagnosis, and since then she has had fortnightly speech therapy [listening and spoken language therapy] there.
“We have attended lots of other services including the LEAP playgroup where Aubree loves getting involved in crafts and other fun activities. She has also had a couple of occupational therapy appointments through Hear and Say, and seen their audiology team for a hearing test.”
Aubree’s initially moderate hearing loss was picked up at birth, which has since slowly progressed to a profound hearing loss due to benign growths in her cochlea and auditory nerve.
Despite this, Aubree’s listening and speaking skills continue to develop in leaps and bounds, thanks to the dedication of her family, the use of hearing aids, and the early intervention support she has received.
“We are so proud of Aubree, not only with her speech but her confidence has also come a long way,” said Lacey.
“Having that support through Hear and Say for all the questions and worries we have is amazing, and to celebrate the many achievements together along the way.”