Hear and Say

A World of Sound for Mateo

One-year-old Mateo is a social butterfly, he loves playing in water, with his animal toys, and reading books. When he was just two weeks old his parents, Lauren and Francisco, found out he had profound hearing loss.

“A million thoughts ran through my head, and it was a couple of very emotional days, followed by a couple of months of trying to get our heads around his diagnosis,” said Lauren.

During this whirlwind time, the family also moved to Brisbane, and upon arriving Lauren and Francisco explored the options available for Mateo, meeting with multiple providers before deciding to come to Hear and Say for specialist speech therapy and audiology services.

“The choice was simple, we needed to go to Hear and Say to ensure Mateo learnt the skills to hear and speak the best he can,” said Lauren.

“Everyone I associate with is hearing, my whole family is hearing. Spoken language is our family’s first language and knowing there was technology and therapy available to get Mateo to learn to hear and speak, how could I not do it? I knew being able to hear would open up opportunities in his future.”

Mateo started wearing hearing aids from eight weeks old, and since then he has received cochlear implants, an exciting next step in their journey.

Reflecting on their experience at Hear and Say, Lauren says she feels supported in many ways.

“Having a one-stop-shop for audiology and speech therapy has been great. Everyone is in constant communication with each other, and I feel like we have a consistent village behind us and supporting us.”

“We’re excited to see where Mateo will go in life, and we are grateful Hear and Say are a big part of our journey.”

Quote of the Day

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.

Willie Nelson

Hearing and Speech Therapy

We’re here to help people of any age – babies and kids through to retirees.

• Hearing tests • Speech therapy • Hearing aids • Cochlear implants • Tinnitus support • Occupational therapy

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29 Nathan Ave, Ashgrove Qld 4060

07 3850 2111

hearandsay.org.au

Book an appointment today.