When Joan, Vermont, Victoria hears her twin grandsons Lochie and Ben say “up”, it warms her heart and it’s not just because they want a hug. This small word was a big step for the boys.

Ben and Lochie were both born profoundly deaf – they couldn’t hear and they couldn’t speak. But cochlear implants turned their world around.

The boys were diagnosed as being hearing impaired at six weeks old in a routine screening. Before this, the family didn’t know anything was wrong – they just thought they were quiet and slept well. The diagnosis hit the family hard. But fear and sadness soon turned to determination and hope when they realised the expert care they needed was just around the corner.

Ben and Lochie were initially given hearing aids before having operations to receive cochlear implants. They are now regular visitors to the Cochlear Implant Clinic at the Eye and Ear as they receive lifetime care to help them adapt to the technology as it changes.

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital is a world leader in this technology. The first cochlear implant operation in the world was conducted here and the Cochlear Implant Clinic was the first clinic of its kind in the world. It is through the dedication of our specialist surgeons, speech pathologists and audiologists that 1300 people in Victoria alone have had their hearing restored.

When someone receives a cochlear implant, it is not just the recipient who benefits. The people around them benefit as well.

“I can’t describe how we felt when we were told Lochie and Ben were eligible for cochlear implants. It was like all the Christmas days of your life rolled into one sentence. I don’t think we could have received the care we did anywhere else in the world.” Naomi – Lochie and Ben’s mum

When the hospital receives a donation, it is not just the hospital that benefits, but our patients, their families and carers

Give to our Christmas Appeal this year by calling 1800 808 137 or online