New films for children with hearing loss

Images from the children's audiology films

A series of films have been created by the Evelina London audiology team to support children and young people with hearing loss, and their families.

Three films have been specially created to introduce the Evelina London audiology centre to new patients and families. The films aim to provide support to parents of babies with hearing loss and give young people the chance to find out about others with similar conditions.

The children and young people's audiology centre cares for children and young people with hearing difficulties, including those with complex needs. The team care for children with middle ear disorders and significant hearing loss, whilst also offering hearing tests to children of all ages.

One of the films is specifically aimed at young people. ‘What does my hearing loss mean for me?’ gives children and young people the chance to meet some of the services’ older patients to find out how hearing loss affects them. They also give advice to help others.

Sarah Adedeji, aged 17 from Bexley, is a patient at the audiology centre and stars in the films. She explains why she took part in filming: “I wanted to get involved purely to show others that the deaf community is such a great community and that deaf people are so able. I wanted to be part of the voice.

“I hope that these videos increase awareness – giving the deaf community an opportunity to gain more recognition, let others know that they're not alone, and show deaf people that they can do anything. I really enjoyed myself during the process, having the privilege to meet others and interact with everyone else there. Thank you to the audiology team for letting me be a part of this project.”

Another of the films ‘Children’s audiology – the place, the service, the people’ introduces the audiology centre with the aim of helping to ease any anxiety or worries that children or their parents may be feeling about coming to an audiology appointment.

Jolanta McCall, head of audiology, says: “The idea for this project came from a staff meeting where we were sharing our patients’ stories. We realised that if we could capture these moving experiences on camera and share them, they could be a real source of support for all of our patients and their families, both old and new.

“Our team enjoyed being a part of this project and our patients and their families are true film stars!”

‘My baby has hearing loss – what next?’ is a film for parents and families of babies with hearing loss. The film explains the importance of early diagnosis and features advice from parents.

The audiology team hope that these films will help prepare families for their appointments and provide support to those with hearing loss.

Watch all three films and find out more about the children and young people’s audiology centre.

The films were made possible thanks to funding from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.