Countess of Chester Hospital’s Audiology team praised as Peppa Pig shines national spotlight on childhood deafness
A Chester family whose two young daughters are treated for permanent hearing loss at the Countess of Chester Hospital are delighted to see childhood deafness featured in a new Peppa Pig storyline - and hope it will help more children feel represented and confident using hearing aids.
The new storyline, created with the National Deaf Children's Society, introduces hearing loss to millions of young viewers as Peppa's young brother George learns to navigate life with a hearing aid.
Local mum Lucy Sementa, who has been visiting the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Audiology department regularly since her girls were babies, has welcomed the visibility, and praised the Trust's Audiology Team for their support.
Lucy said: “We’re here every few months; the team have been with us since the girls were such an early age and they are so patient and responsive.
“Technology has really improved over the years - these days, hearing aids are subtle, waterproof and stay in perfectly, even in the rain.
"The girls can do everything their friends do whilst wearing them. We see them as like wearing glasses - just for ears!"
Meanwhile, Lucy says it's important for children to feel noticed when TV shows feature characters like them and is glad that there has been more visibility in the media in recent years.
"Children are so pleased to see characters like George in Peppa Pig wearing hearing aids. One of the Gladiators has one, and there have been deaf contestants on Strictly Come Dancing too - these things really do make a huge difference.”
Like George, Lucy’s daughters, now aged four and seven, were diagnosed at a young age, and have grown up learning to use hearing aids as part of their daily lives.
The family are pleased that the storyline reinforces the fact that childhood hearing loss is manageable and that early intervention helps children develop confidently to achieve their full potential.
Meanwhile, the national spotlight on childhood deafness has also been welcomed by the Trust's Audiology Team, who hope it will be able to help families recognise hearing concerns earlier.
Jane Beavan, Head of Audiology said: “Anything that highlights the importance of hearing for children is invaluable.
"Around one in 1,000 babies are born with permanent hearing loss, and early checks are essential. The sooner we can put support in place, the better it is for the child’s long-term outcomes.
"We are delighted about the Peppa Pig storyline as it’s really important for children who wear hearing aids to see themselves in the media.
“If it helps even one child - it's made a huge difference," she added.
To learn more about our Paediatric Audiology services, visit our website: /all-services/audiology/paediatric-audiology.aspx