Good News Stories

Welcome back to the Peter Byrom Audiology blog! Summer is in full swing and everyone tends to feel a bit brighter, don’t you think? I thought I’d keep that mood going by highlighting a few good news stories from the audiology world. All of the below are from the first 6 months of 2022 so grab a cuppa and dive in!

Cocoon of silence

A man thought to be the oldest to ever receive a cochlear implant has regained his hearing. Leslie Hodgson, also blind, lost his hearing 10 years ago and had been living in a ‘cocoon of silence’. He underwent surgery to have a cochlear implant fitted; this is a small device that stimulates the cochlear nerve using electrical pulses. An external sound processor sits behind the ear much like a hearing aid and together, they deliver sound directly to the hearing nerve and onto the brain.

The surgeon who undertook the operation said “Blindness cuts you off from things but deafness cuts you off from people”. This is something we often hear from our patients in clinic, our connection to others is so important. You can find out more about the story here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-61093484

British Sign Language

In a recent blog I referenced Strictly 2021 and the phenomenal win by Rose Ayling-Ellis. This has done so much to shine a light on British Sign Language but at the end of April there was more good news. With over 150,000 people using BSL in the UK, it is set to be recognised as an official language.

Rosie Cooper MP who brought about The British Sign Language Bill said:

“At long last, the Deaf community will be able to say that their language is legally recognised.

Working across party lines and with the Deaf community, I really believe we have made history by creating a mechanism for Deaf people to achieve equal access to public services. Their voices will be heard loud and clear and there will be no excuse for failing to respect BSL as a language.

The hard work doesn’t stop here however, but the door is now open for the Deaf community make real progress fixing the injustices that they continue to face.”

You can read more here:

Oscar Success

Finally, earlier this year CODA became the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to win an Oscar. The film follows 17-year-old Ruby, the only hearing member of her family or CODA – Child Of Deaf Adults.

A hugely moving film, one of the actors has also been honoured with awards; Troy Kotsur is the first Deaf male actor to ever receive an Oscar, a BAFTA Award, a SAG Award, a Film Independent Spirit Award, and a Critics Choice Award

More about this great film can be found here:

https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2022/03/apples-coda-wins-historic-oscar-for-best-picture-at-the-academy-awards/

Well, that’s a wrap for now, I hope you’ve enjoyed some positive news from the world of audiology.

Take care,

Peter