In a busy paediatric clinic, moments sometimes unfold that remind us of the extraordinary resilience of children.
Recently, I met two sisters, Vaaletchumy, 12, and Maha, nine, both of whom were born with profound hearing impairment.
What began as a routine clinic visit soon became a powerful reminder of determination, family strength and the remarkable possibilities that modern medicine can offer.
Vaaletchumy’s journey began when she was about two-and-a-half years old.
Her parents noticed she was not speaking like other children her age.
She did not respond consistently when called and her vocabulary was limited.
These early signs prompted further assessment.
Tests confirmed that she had profound hearing loss.
For many families, such a diagnosis can feel overwhelming.
But Vaaletchumy’s parents chose to face the challenge head-on.
Recognising hearing loss early
Hearing impairment in children is not uncommon.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 34 million children worldwide live with disabling hearing loss.
In Malaysia, studies suggest that permanent hearing loss occurs in roughly one to six per 1,000 newborns, similar to global estimates.
Local newborn screening programmes have also identified measurable numbers of affected infants.
For example, one Malaysian study reported hearing loss in about 0.42% of newborns screened, highlighting the importance of early testing.
Among school-aged children, hearing problems may be even more common because some cases develop later in childhood due to infections, middle ear disease or other conditions.
Screening studies in Malaysia have shown that around 5-6% of primary school children may have some degree of hearing deficit that requires further evaluation.
These figures underline why early hearing detection programmes and regular hearing screening are so important.
Early identification allows children with hearing impairments to receive timely interventions such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, speech therapy and specialised education support.
When intervention begins early, children with hearing impairments have a much greater chance of developing speech and language skills similar to their peers.
A turning point
At the age of four, Vaaletchumy underwent a cochlear implant – a small electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve.
Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as hearing.
However, cochlear implants are not suitable for everyone.
They are usually recommended for children with severe to profound hearing loss who gain limited benefit from conventional hearing aids.
Before surgery, the child undergoes a series of evaluations, including hearing tests, imaging studies and speech assessments to determine whether or not the implant will be beneficial.
For children who qualify, the results can be life-changing.
The transformation in Vaaletchumy was remarkable.
From a child who initially struggled with speech, she gradually developed the ability to communicate clearly.
With consistent speech therapy, supportive teachers and the unwavering encouragement of her parents, she caught up remarkably well with her peers.
Today, she is thriving academically, enjoys sports, and even appeared in the Astro programme Aku Istimewa, celebrating children with unique journeys.
Her teachers describe her as a motivated and cheerful student in her school’s special education programme for children with hearing impairments.
Sisterly bond
Yet, what moved me most during the clinic visit was not Vaaletchumy’s achievements, impressive as they are, but the quiet responsibility she carries for her younger sister.
Maha also has significant hearing loss and is currently using hearing aids while awaiting further management decisions.
Like many children, she initially struggled to wear them consistently.
But during the consultation, something remarkable unfolded.
When I gave Maha a simple mathematics problem, she paused, concentrating deeply, trying to make sense of it.
Before anyone else could step in, Vaaletchumy gently moved closer.
Without being asked, she took the lead.
Using sign language, she guided her sister step by step, not hurriedly, not impatiently, but with a calm assurance that seemed far beyond her years.
There was no sense of instruction, only understanding.
Maha looked to her not just for answers, but for reassurance.
In that moment, Vaaletchumy was more than a sister.
She was a teacher, a translator and a quiet pillar of support.
The two of them soon broke into giggles, their hands moving swiftly in conversation, their bond effortless and unspoken.
Their mother watched quietly, her expression filled with pride, perhaps recognising, as I did, that this was not something taught, but something that had grown naturally between them.
It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the strongest guidance does not come from adults or professionals, but from the quiet, unwavering presence of someone who simply understands.
Parental and educational support
When I asked the mother how she felt raising two children with hearing impairment, her answer was simple, yet profound: “They are God’s gifts to us.”
Despite their modest background – their father works as a lorry driver and their mother is a clerk – the parents have been unwavering in supporting both daughters through therapy, education and daily encouragement.
Their dreams for the girls are refreshingly practical and hopeful.
Vaaletchumy loves baking and cooking, and her mother plans to enrol her in a short baking course during the school holidays.
Maha, meanwhile, enjoys costumes and beauty-related activities, and hopes to develop skills in cosmetology.
The goal is simple: independence, confidence and the ability to participate fully in society.
One of the turning points in Vaaletchumy’s journey was her transition to a Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas (SKPK) – a special education school designed specifically for children with hearing impairments and other learning needs.
These schools provide structured learning environments where teachers are specially trained to support students with hearing loss.
Lessons may incorporate Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (Malaysian Sign Language), speech therapy, visual learning techniques and specialised communication strategies.
In Vaaletchumy’s case, the supportive environment allowed her to flourish, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
A hopeful prognosis
The outlook for children with hearing impairments today is far more encouraging than it was decades ago.
With early diagnosis, modern hearing technology, speech therapy and specialised education, many children with hearing loss can attend school, pursue careers and lead independent lives.
What matters most is timely intervention and continued support from families, teachers and healthcare professionals.
Children like Vaaletchumy remind us that a hearing impairment does not define a child’s potential.
The bond between the two sisters is also a lesson for us all.
In a world that often celebrates competition, these sisters demonstrate the quiet strength of solidarity – one guiding the other, hand in hand, sign by sign.
Their story offers hope to other parents who may have recently received a diagnosis for their child.
The path may seem uncertain at first.
But as Vaaletchumy’s journey shows, there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel.
Parents who have concerns about their child’s hearing should seek early screening and consultation.
Early action can make a lifelong difference.
Sometimes, the most powerful voices are not the ones we hear, but the ones we see in courage, resilience and love.
Dr Naveen Nair Gangadaran is a paediatrician at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban, and council member of the Perinatal Society Malaysia and Malaysian Paediatric Association respectively. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
