Sensorineural Hearing Losses – A Voice For Profound Loss

Nora McKellin could be described as a study in the exceptional. Born a twin in 1980, she differed from her sister in that she was diagnosed with diastrophic dwarfism and was later determined to have severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. She required numerous surgeries on her back that required months of recuperation and years before she was able to regain her ability to walk. Despite these significant challenges, she lives an independent lifestyle and is now completing her third year of study at the University of British Columbia.

Nora's parents chose an approach of communication known as Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) through which children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to LISTEN and talk and to attend regular school. Nora and her parents attended weekly Auditory-Verbal Therapy sessions for five years at the Learning To Listen Foundation, a non-profit charitable agency affiliated with North York General Hospital in Toronto.

Nora learned to listen and talk very effectively, always attended regular schools and now, at age 22, attends UBC.

At the invitation of the Learning To Listen Foundation, Nora is the keynote speaker at this year's annual conference of VOICE, an Ontario-based parent-support organization for hearing-impaired children, which takes place Saturday, April 13 at Kitchener's City Hall. She will offer her reflections on the challenges she faced growing up and those she anticipates for herself and other hearing impaired young people.

"I believe it's important to share our common experiences among parents, family members, teachers, therapists and other professionals," Nora says. "It's also important to remember that the best outcomes for people like myself are partly the result of the time and commitment of a large and well-connected group."

Nora says she has benefited greatly from Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT). The majority of children with hearing impairments have some degree of residual hearing and with the aid of amplification or other technologies like cochlear implants, they are able to develop the ability to listen and speak and with support, attend mainstream educational environments and have a substantial lifestyle options.

"I think Nora is an exceptional person," says her former therapist, Warren Estabrooks, MEd., Cert. AVT, Director of Auditory-Verbal Therapy at North York General Hospital. "With the support of an extraordinary family, she has faced her physical challenges with courage and determination and has really triumphed. She is an inspiration."

About The Author:

Nick Town is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.digital-hearing-aids-n-protection.com. Finding out more about hearing loss, so you can choose the digital hearing aids or therapy that is necessary.