“It took so long to diagnose because Max didn’t know any better. He thought silence in his right ear was how it was supposed to be,” Sally said.
Max was fitted with a CROS hearing aid for 12 months while Sally and Phil decided what was the best option for Max long-term, ultimately deciding that the cochlear implant was the way to go. Max underwent cochlear implant candidacy which involved a magnitude of testing to ensure he was a good fit for the implant.
In January 2019, at five years old, Max received a cochlear implant, which was switched on at Hear and Say’s Brisbane Centre one week later, changing his world forever.
“The switch on was certainly a milestone moment but it’s been the moments at home where he has heard things that he hadn’t heard before that have been really special,” Sally said.
Phil and Sally have been grateful for the support that Hear and Say have provided not only to Max but to their whole family.
“Max is progressing really well, his ability to focus and learn in each lesson continues to improve and the outcomes we are seeing are very positive,” Phil said.
“Max is loving school and is performing really well. This cochlear implant is helping him to be able to hear in what would have been very challenging situations, such as a noisy classroom. His ability to communicate and engage with his mates in the playground is further enhanced due to his implant.”
Max and his family have also been absolute superstars with no shortage of enthusiasm coming from sibling duo, Max and Chels, who have continually channelled their incredible efforts into the noisiest cause of all, Loud Shirt Day.
“I like being part of Loud Shirt Day because it raises money for other families, and we get to dress up and make our own loud shirts,” said Max.
