Deaf Sunshine Coast schoolgirl Zuri Bell thriving

A Queensland mother has shared her family’s journey from learning their baby girl was born completely deaf to being the state’s first infant to receive two cochlear implants simultaneously. Now 15, Zuri Bell is able to speak fluently and attend school.

Deaf Sunshine Coast schoolgirl, Zuri Bell, states first double cochlear implant recipient. Picture - contributed.

A Queensland mother has shared her family’s astonishing journey from learning their baby girl was born completely deaf to her now, at 15 years old, being able to enjoy music, attend school, and speak beautifully.

Sunshine Coast local Zuri Bell was the state’s first ever pediatric patient to receive two cochlear implants simultaneously.

Now, Zuri and her parents Maria and Glen Bell, are asking locals to support the charity that changed her life as Hear and Say launches its annual Giving Month fundraiser this May, coinciding with its 20 year anniversary at Nambour.

Zuri was born at Selangor Hospital Nambour on May 16, 2008, and was fortunate to have access to the early infant screening test.

26/03/09 Glen Bell with his 10 month old daughter, Zuri, who is learning to hear with the help of the Hear and Say Centre. Picture - Warren Lynam. Sunshine Coast Daily.

After failing her newborn screening test twice, it was revealed Zuri was born with severe profound deafness in both ears.

Her mother said she remembered leaving the pediatric audiologist at Nambour hospital after her baby girl’s diagnosis with several brochures.

“Not knowing anything, anyone, or how to proceed with our new baby and a diagnosis of severe deafness, the research began,” Mrs Bell said.

“I can remember Glen researching late into the night about deafness, learning sign language, and technology.

“One of the brochures that we had brought home from the hospital was from Hear and Say. After a phone call, and then a meeting we both knew that this would be our way forward.

“We started the very next week. Zuri was just two weeks old.”

Zuri Bell, 5, with her parents Maria and Glen Bell at Hear and Say in Nambour. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

Her parents learnt how having a deaf baby would change their lives and were committed to working towards their daughter learning to speak and hear as best she could.

Zuri had weekly appointments with a specialised audiologist. Then started seeing a speech pathologist.

This was followed by cochlear mapping.

“She (Zuri) has been able to have so many amazing experiences due to this organisation that has allowed her to now move into adulthood confident, and with a voice to be heard,” Mrs Bell said.

Zuri has received several external upgrades since. She uses a range of technology to hear well, and can even listen to music.

Her mother said learning her baby girl was completely deaf was shocking and left her scared for their daughter’s future.

“It seems like such a long time ago. I can remember feeling totally numb, and unsure about what we could do,” Mrs Bell said.

“The rest is history and so we are very happy about our journey and the pathway we took to get Zuri where she is now able to listen, speak and engage in her life.

Deaf Sunshine Coast schoolgirl, Zuri Bell, can now speak and listen to music. Picture - contributed.

“Bluetooth connects her to her school Mac, our television at home, her phone, and her school uses sound fields.

“The technology has improved so much in such a short time. We are so fortunate to have such great access to this life changing incredible technology and the teaching methods that have allowed Zuri to listen and speak.”

Mrs Bell said Zuri leads a lovely life and enjoys her hobbies, school, friends, and family like any other teenager.

“Zuri loves trail riding on her horses. She is outgoing, really likes going to the beach with her friends, movies and animals,” Mrs Bell said.

Zuri Bell, states first double cochlear implant recipient. Picture - contributed.

“She enjoys listening to music. She loves listening to a huge variety of music, I think this started with my parent’s old vinyls.

“This has now moved on to going to events. Passenger tickets, Kasey Chambers concerts, and the list has started to grow.

“I often think about how lucky we are that she can enjoy music.”

Hearing loss is a condition that continues to worsen in Australia, with one in four people expected to be impacted by 2060.

Hear and Say is calling on the community to double their impact this Giving Month, an online fundraising event dedicated to raising vital funds, with all donations matched.