When one-year-old Vivek was diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss in India, his parents Ajay and Bindu were devastated. With no history of hearing loss in their family, the diagnosis came as a shock that left them uncertain about their son’s future.
“We were devastated, shocked, sad and confused about how this could happen,” recalls Bindu. “However, our Christian faith in a living God gave us the strength to face it and be determined to do our best to give Vivek all opportunities to achieve his potential.”
Just before Vivek’s first cochlear implant surgery, Vivek’s dad received a job opportunity in Australia. Through internet searches, the family discovered Hear and Say. “The thoughtful responses from the Hear and Say Team helped my parents make the decision to relocate to Brisbane.”
A Remarkable Transformation
The journey that followed has been nothing short of extraordinary. Vivek, who wasn’t even babbling at age two, began receiving auditory verbal therapy at Hear and Say in 2009. The results were remarkable.
“It is unbelievable now when we look back, how technology and therapy worked together to equip Vivek to hear and speak beautifully in a short span of about 2-3 years,” his parents share. “He was soon confidently presenting ‘show and tells,’ made the debating team in Primary school, picked up playing the keyboard, and enjoys sports.”
Now 18 and using Cochlear Nucleus Technology with an N8 processor, Vivek has blossomed into a well-rounded young man. He plays soccer for his local club, enjoys cricket, outdoor activities, and plays keyboard. His academic achievements are equally impressive.
Finding His Voice on National Stages
In 2014, Vivek had the opportunity to speak at the Power of Speech conference at the National Press Club in Canberra. Later that year, he addressed the World Audiology conference in Brisbane with Professor. Graeme Clark, the inventor of the multi-channel cochlear implant, in attendance.
These experiences, along with numerous school achievements, have shaped Vivek into a confident communicator and leader. He was awarded the World of Difference award in Year six, has represented his school on the debating team, and served as a student mentor.
His leadership qualities culminated in being elected Student President in 2024, his final year of high school.
Vivek is currently studying Engineering at university.
A Journey of Gratitude
For Ajay and Bindu, watching their son thrive has been beyond their wildest expectations. “As parents, our hearts overflow with gratitude,” they share. “We are truly grateful to God to have changed us during this journey to become empathetic, aware and supportive of hearing loss and other disabilities.”
The family expresses deep thankfulness to Dr. Clark (the inventor of cochlear implants), the doctors who performed the surgeries, the hospital medical facilities, and crucially, for the speech therapy support from Hear and Say over the years.
“Cochlear implants are a medical miracle and the work of speech therapists is like magic,” Vivek reflects. “The benefits are amazing and life-changing. We are so thankful for the Hear and Say team.”
From a child unable to hear to a confident young leader with a bright future ahead, Vivek’s journey stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible with the right support, technology, and determination.