Early diagnosis, intervention gives hearing impaired kids an equal shot

With early intervention, children with hearing impairments can develop speech and language understanding better. Photo: 123rf

Rhianna Rashid wants nothing more than to be seen as “just an ordinary kid” who loves going to school and playing sports.

“Even though I need my cochlear implant to help me hear, I am an ordinary girl. I enjoy going to school and playing with my friends. I like to swim, read and play badminton. I also like to craft,” says the shy but precocious 11-year-old who is in Year 5 at SK Seksyen 2, Bandar Kinrara in Puchong, Selangor.