New hearing technology to help children

Shayleigh and Marnie

New technology is available for children with hearing loss in Wolverhampton, thanks to innovative equipment.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Audiology Team is offering the Baha® 7 Sound Processor along with the Baha® SoundBand™.

The improved design aims to increase children’s confidence in wearing the device and encourage consistent use.

These advancements represent a significant step forward in supporting young patients with hearing challenges, helping them engage more fully at school, at home, and in social settings.

One of the first children to be fitted with the new device was five-year-old Shayleigh. Shayleigh has congenital hearing loss in her left ear.

Her mother Marine Willington said: “These new hearing aids are so much better. They flash when there is low battery instead of having to rely on guesswork and testing them.

“The band also looks much better as it is slimmer and in a new lavender colour. Shayleigh loves wearing it as she sees it as a hair accessory and it proud to have it on.

“It is also in her favourite colour, purple so she is over the moon.

“At school, the teacher will be given a microphone so Shayleigh can hear her directly which I think is fantastic and will really help.

“It also looks a lot more comfortable as the one before would leave marks behind her ears.”

Jennie Howard, Advanced Audiologist at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “The new Cochlear BAHA 7 product is a fantastic addition to the existing range of bone conduction hearing aids currently offered by the Audiology department.

“During my 30-year career as an audiologist, I have noticed a real change in patients now embracing the colour options, wanting to ‘show off’ their Baha as it has made such a positive impact on their quality of life.

“Involving children in the decision-making process and offering coloured options can help allay any fears associated with the device, encouraging acceptance and usage.

“The software has improved data logging; this is beneficial to be able to track progress at both home and school and give information on average daily usage. This can be used as a counselling tool.

“Shayleigh’s previous device was on a standard size hard metal headband; this was causing some discomfort behind her ears, hence the reason for the transition to a Cochlear BAHA product on a soft elastic headband. This was fully adjustable for size and comfort. Once in situ was tolerated very well. As part of the fitting process on several occasions during the appointment the sound band was removed and Shayleigh requested to have this put back on, even attempting to do this herself which I think speaks volumes.”

The devices are commissioned for both adults and children with chronic long-term hearing losses.

Only patients with certain hearing loss types and any conditions associated with permanent conductive hearing losses would be able to access this technology.

Each patient is considered on an individual ‘case by case’ basis referring to the NHS England BCHI commissioning guideline for eligibility.