Two sisters from Australia are navigating the challenges of hearing loss with remarkable resilience, according to their mother, Elle Girardi. Despite being diagnosed with different hearing conditions years apart, both daughters have fostered a positive outlook that has turned their challenges into a story of hope and determination.
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Girardi’s journey began when her elder daughter, Charli, was born. She was just two days old when she failed a newborn hearing test at the hospital. It wasn’t long before she was referred to Sydney Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. At the age of five, Charli was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a condition that typically results from damage to the inner ear and is often permanent. Reflecting on that poignant moment of diagnosis, Girardi expressed her shock, recalling feeling like a “deer in the headlights.”
A pivotal moment occurred soon after the diagnosis, when another mother at a hearing centre offered Girardi some encouragement. As she observed the hearing aids on Charli, she comforted Girardi, saying, “This brings back memories. It’s going to be okay.” This brief conversation helped Girardi to process her own worries and fears regarding her daughter’s future.
Two years later, Girardi welcomed her second daughter, Frankie, who also did not pass the newborn hearing test. After further assessment, Frankie was diagnosed with auditory neuropathy, a disorder where sounds are usually detected by the ear, but there are difficulties in transmitting those signals to the brain. Girardi noted that whether her youngest could hear consistently was uncertain, adding that even though they suspected she was responding to her name, that was only confirmed after Frankie received cochlear implants.
Initially, Frankie showed signs of frustration when fitted with hearing aids. However, upon receiving her first cochlear implant, a transformation occurred, leading her to enjoy sounds, such as the barking of dogs. “She became suddenly calm and began loving sound,” Girardi remarked, capturing the profound change in her daughter’s demeanour.
In a parallel journey, Charli also underwent cochlear implant surgery after a hearing test indicated a total loss of hearing in her right ear. Girardi explained to Charli that the implant would improve her swimming lessons and help her hear things she had been missing. Upon waking from the operation, Charli immediately noted, “I match Frankie now,” demonstrating her desire for connection and understanding with her sister.
Currently in kindergarten, Charli wears one cochlear implant alongside a hearing aid. According to her mother, Charli has adopted a pragmatic view of her devices, often explaining to family that she wears them to hear better. At family gatherings, she confidently requests everyone to lower their voices, stating, “I can’t hear you well. You need to talk separately.”
Girardi and her partner, John, have been supported by Hearing Australia in managing the nuanced requirements of their daughters’ conditions. Girardi emphasised how invaluable this assistance has been in navigating the complexities of their diagnoses. She expressed gratitude for the resources and opportunities available to their family, stating, “If this is our biggest challenge, we’re lucky.”
Within their daily lives, Girardi described her daughters as “the happiest little things,” showcasing their joy despite the hurdles they encounter. Her positive perspective is rooted in the belief that their experiences can help inspire and support other families facing similar challenges. By sharing their story, Girardi hopes to shed light on the realities of living with hearing loss while advocating for greater awareness and support within the community.
Ultimately, the family’s experiences reflect a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and an encouraging spirit as they navigate their unique journey together.