Patty's journey with The Hearing & Speech Center (HSC) in Lexington began when she was just an infant. Referred to the center after failing her newborn hearing test in the hospital, Patty’s story aligned with the center’s mission of providing care and support for those with hearing and speech challenges. Her older sister, who also has hearing loss, was already receiving services from HSC’s Early Childhood Center, making the family familiar with the center’s compassionate and specialized care.
At only two months old, Patty was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. By the time she was three months old, she was fitted with hearing aids, a small step in what would become a life-changing journey. At six months old, Patty received cochlear implants from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The results were almost immediate—within a month of the procedure, Patty responded to the stimulation, a clear indication of success.
From birth, HSC has been Patty’s second home. She enrolled in the Early Learning Center (ELC) at just six weeks old, continuing through Pre-K, where she thrived in a classroom designed for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This past May, Patty graduated from the ELC and is now preparing for a new chapter in her life—attending public school in the fall of 2023.
In addition to her time at the ELC, Patty is an active client in HSC’s speech/language and audiology clinics. Over the past five years, her speech and language development have blossomed, allowing her to meet age-appropriate milestones. According to the Brigance scores, she is performing at an average level for all areas of early childhood development.
During a recent HSC event, when staff had the chance to interview Patty, her joyful spirit shone through. She excitedly shared that her favorite sound is “The Unicorn Song,” a testament to her love of imagination and learning.
Patty’s journey with The Hearing & Speech Center is a reflection of the possibilities that exist when children receive the early interventions and support they need. HSC has given Patty and her family hope and as she steps into her new school this fall, she carries with her the foundation of care that has shaped her bright future.
To learn more about The Hearing & Speech Center and the other non-profit organizations we support, visit our website: https://www.uwbg.org/nonprofit-partners
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