Addy’s Story
When Addy was born, her parents received news they weren’t expecting: she had failed her newborn hearing test. Like many families in that moment, they had questions and weren’t sure where to turn. Seeking answers, they came to Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and connected with Daniela Carvalho, MD, Medical Director of Surgical Services and Director of the Hearing and Cochlear Implant Program at Rady Children’s.
From Diagnosis to Hearing Aids
Initial testing revealed fluid in one of Addy’s ears, which can sometimes cause a temporary hearing issue. But once the fluid cleared and further testing was completed, the results confirmed she was deaf and hard of hearing. At just four months old, Addy received her hearing aids — setting her on a path toward a bright future.
Comprehensive Care for Children With Hearing Differences
Addy’s care is supported by the Cochlear Implant Program at Rady Children’s, which provides state-of-the-art care to children with severe to profound hearing loss. The program’s multidisciplinary team brings together specialists from audiology, otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, developmental psychology, educational consultation, and social work — all focused on each child’s unique needs and goals. For families whose goal is spoken language, the program works to give every child the tools they need to understand and communicate with confidence.
Newborn hearing screenings, like the one that first flagged Addy’s hearing difference, play a critical role in catching hearing loss early. The earlier a child receives intervention — whether through hearing aids or cochlear implants — the better the outcomes tend to be for language development and learning.
Thriving and Full of Life
Today, Addy is a happy, spunky kid who is in school and keeping up with her peers. Her family and her Rady Children’s care team couldn’t be prouder of how far she has come.