My name is Stefanie and I live with my family in Vienna. My son Paul has bilateral implants. Paul's hearing story began when his newborn hearing screening at the ENT specialist showed abnormalities at the age of three weeks. That was a shock for us and we didn't want to admit it at first. Further tests made it clear that Paul couldn't hear. He was initially given hearing aids, but he refused them. Finally, at seven months, he was fitted with bilateral cochlear implants. At 18 months, he finally said his first word: "Daddy".

I recommend everyone in a similar situation to seek contact with those affected and to exchange ideas with each other. It also takes a lot of patience. I would also advise you to push ahead with the diagnosis and subsequent treatment and to really get actively involved in order to achieve the best possible care and the desired success. I also think it's important to enjoy your time with your child and not always focus on the hearing impairment. It is possible and important to lead a "normal" family life.