A hearing aid contributes to Emilio’s speech and social development
The holidays are a big deal in Emilio’s family. Carrying on their Colombian Christmas traditions, they’ll gather on December 24th with extended family. Celebrations will extend until the early hours of Christmas morning with food, music, dancing and laughter. As morning comes, they’ll open gifts from Santa. (Emilio’s favourite part!)
Nine-year-old Emilio is a competitive, persevering, generous kid who loves sports, especially soccer, and playing video games. For him, a hearing aid is a critical tool for connecting and participating in the holidays—and every other part of life. He was born with severe hearing loss in one ear and needs an aid to help him learn well and his hear family and friends.
Hearing loss can “lead to delayed speech and language development in children, and have an impact on social development,” according to Help BC Hear Better, which advocates for better provincial hearing care.
BC has an early hearing program which includes hearing aid funding; however, financial aid stops once a child reaches five years old. Hearing aids typically cost $3,000-$8,000 in BC. And they need to be replaced every few years. These costs present a significant barrier for families who don’t qualify for government funding.
Variety identifies gaps like this one and offers grants to help families access the services or equipment they need. Through a medical equipment grant, Emilio now has a new hearing aid.
“Emilio has advanced in his learning and hearing process. We, as a family, are calmer because of it,” his mom, Viviana says.
She and her partner Adrian left their home in Colombia three years ago and moved to Canada with Emilio and his younger brother Samuel. As they form new connections in Canada, the family enjoys exploring new places, camping, being outside, and watching movies together.
As Emilio counts down the days until Christmas, he continues to grow in confidence and determination—and practice his soccer skills! We can’t wait to see what’s next for Emilio and we’re glad he has access to an aid that can help him navigate his world.