That scratchy sound your fingers make when they comb through your hair is something many of us take for granted, but not 12-year-old Daneka MacDonald.
 
That is why the Raceview resident was shocked when, after she attended the first Cochlear Implant Telehealth Clinic at Ipswich Hospital, she could hear herself scratching her head.

Daneka was the first patient to attend the clinic, which is run in partnership with Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ). The clinic allows consumers to receive follow-up care closer to home and saves them the long trip to Brisbane.

Audiology Assistant Yvan Miaco said it had been amazing to witness the instant improvement to Daneka’s hearing.

“Kate, the CHQ Audiologist, advised of the calibration (setting changes) that needed to be made to Daneka’s device and I implemented those changes,” he said.

“Daneka scratched her head after the device was refitted and was shocked that she could actually hear herself scratching. It was great to be a part of it.”  

Director of Speech Pathology and Audiology Katrina Dunn said the new service was a win for all parties.

“We are excited to form this telehealth partnership with CHQ and give local families the ability to receive the follow-up care they require after an implant without having to leave the region,” she said.

Regular follow-up appointments are required for consumers such as Daneka, who was only 2½ years old when she was diagnosed with hearing loss at Ipswich Hospital. Her hearing continued to decline and she was later fitted with a cochlear ear implant at CHQ.

“Most patients, including Daneka and her family, asked for this option locally, so we are thrilled to be able to offer it,” Dr Dunn said.

The Cochlear Implant Telehealth Clinic service is now a permanent offering at Ipswich Hospital, joining several other virtual programs offered at West Moreton Health.

Caption, from left to right: patient Daneka MacDonald, Audiology Assistant Yvan Miaco, Queensland Children’s Hospital Audiologist Kate Browning (pictured on screen) and the patient’s mother Julie MacDonald.