Local girl put forward to show cochlear implant success
Lara Butler of Horsfield Bay is being put forward is an example of a young person who is now thriving thanks to a cochlear implant
The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children is promoting her success as part of the organisation's rebranding as NextSense, and publicity for the services it offers through its Gosford office.
The institute has combined its different services, including the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre, "as a single, unified organisation" with a "new brand and positioning".
NextSense chief executive Mr Chris Rehn said Lara was thriving thanks to the implant and support from the organisation's Gosford branch.
Lara was diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears just before she was two, when her mother, Aimee, noticed she wasn't picking up speech as quickly as her twin brother.
A short time later, Lara was fitted with hearing aids but it became clear that, even with them, her speech wasn't developing.
"We chose to get cochlear implants for Lara because we wanted to give her the chance to develop speech," Ms Butler said.
The cochlear implants were an immediate success.
"We saw a massive jump in her speech."
She said Lara's implants have helped her in every aspect of life.
The degree of her success was reflected in her election last year as school captain at Woy Woy Public School.
Lara is a passionate rugby league player.
Since age four, Lara has played for the Umina Bunnies Junior Rugby League Football Club.
She also plays representative football for Peninsula Junior Touch Football.
"We were never worried about Lara's hearing loss when it came to football," said Ms Butler.
The talent that Lara has developed has taken her this year to Central Coast Sports College.
"I love playing rugby league because I get to play with my friends and show my skills," said Lara.
"I can hear on the field. At school, I can hear my teacher and my friends."
Ms Butler said: "We've taught Lara to see her hearing loss as simply part of who she is, not a disadvantage.
"Her cochlear implants have given her access to sound and speech, which will ensure she has the same opportunities as anyone else."
SOURCE:
Media release, 11 Mar 2021
Chris Rehn, NextSense