A father has spoken of seeing the joy of his 16-year-old son hearing noises such as bird song for the first time and thanked the health care worker who made it happen.
Louis King, of Spalding, has Down’s syndrome and particularly has issues with his hearing.
He’s had numerous operations on his ears but earlier this year came a chance for him to wear hearing aids for the first time.
But Louis developed a huge fear of hospitals after his uncle Tom King, whom he was very close to, died aged 53 from cancer in November, just a month after being diagnosed.
Louis refused to go to a hospital again and was terrified of the thought of hearing aids.
That’s where Matt Powell, a senior paediatric audiologist at Peterborough City Hospital, stepped in.
Not for the first time, he put Louis at ease and persuaded him to try the hearing aids.
Now dad Chris says Louis is hearing things like the purring of cats for the first time.
“He’s gone from terrified of the hearing aids to putting them in the first thing he does every morning,” said Chris. “Not long after we got back he went out to play football, but then ran straight back inside shouting ‘the birds can sing’ and asking ‘Dad, did you know the birds can sing’?
“Even as we left the hospital, there was someone on a mobile phone and Louis was amazed he could hear that.
“He still has some problems with his hearing, but it has opened up a whole new aspect of the world to him.”
It was Matt who directed Louis towards the new hearing aids after previous aids hadn’t had the desired effect.
“He’s such a brilliant member of staff and so patient,” said Chris. “Louis was very close to his uncle and his death had a profound effect.
“It manifested into a mental block of going to hospital in a way that was totally life changing.
“He was shaking at the start of the appointment, he really did not want to be there.
“Matt was incredibly calm and patient, and kept the atmosphere light-hearted, which he knows are all the things that will appeal to Louis.
“Somehow, he persuaded Louis to try his hearing aids which has had such a profound impact ever since.
“Louis was initially concerned that noise in public spaces might be a bit overwhelming with his new hearing aids, so before we left hospital Matt offered to accompany us on a walk around the main atrium to help Louis feel supported and comfortable.
“The time Matt has taken with Louis has made such a difference. I cannot speak highly enough of the way he has supported Louis, and not just from an audiology perspective.
“When he heard that Louis’ had dislocated his knee 18 months ago, it really lifted Louis’s spirits to see his friendly face.”
Matt, who has worked in the NHS for 28 years, 22 of those in Peterborough, said: “Louis is the star of the show, not me. And his parents do an amazing job to support and encourage him.
“He was scared about coming to hospital, but he found the courage to do so.
“He is an absolute pleasure to care for and I am delighted he is getting so much benefit from his new hearing aids.”
Louis, who goes to school at Marshfields in Peterborough, wants to be a wrestler when he’s older and run a fish and chip shop.
As well as wrestling, he loves ice hockey and football.
He is a Peterborough United season ticket holder, but the hearing aids didn’t help him hear the Wembley roar on Sunday. He was in attendance as his club became the first team to retain the Vertu Trophy by beating Birmingham City 2-0.
“He took the hearing aids out, and had ear defenders on instead,” Chris said. “We had an amazing time and we’re happy to let him set the agenda.”
