Lucy Barras on her son Henry’s hearing challenges

A simple test at birth led one Aussie family on an unexpected journey.

Lucy Barras with her 17-month-old son Henry Barras, who was diagnosed with hearing loss through a newborn screening and now thrives with his cochlear implant. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lucy Barras never expected her newborn son Henry to be anything but perfect.

So when a routine hearing test at Darwin Hospital revealed no immediate concerns, she and her husband carried on, blissfully unaware of what lay ahead.

But three weeks later, a follow-up test confirmed their tiny baby was profoundly deaf in both ears.

“It was pretty heartbreaking,” Ms Barras said.

“There’s no hereditary deafness in our family, so we weren’t expecting it at all.”

Henry Barras, who was diagnosed with hearing loss through a newborn screening and now thrives with his cochlear implant. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The shock turned to determination as Henry was fitted with hearing aids at just three months old.

While the tiny devices looked the part, the family struggled to tell if they were “making a real difference”.

After consulting specialists, they made the big decision to pursue a cochlear implant — technology that has been life-changing for Henry.

In November last year, Henry underwent surgery at Melbourne Children’s Hospital.

The process of introducing him to sound was gradual, allowing him time to adjust.

NT Hearing Services Audiology Team Leader Eleanor Peacocke with Lucy Barras and her son Henry during a consultation, highlighting the importance of early hearing screenings for newborns. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Now, he’s hitting major milestones — pointing at planes in the sky, saying “Daddy,” and experiencing the world in a way his parents once feared he never would.

“He’s developing sound and speech. Watching him grow and seeing him with his little friend Billy, just kicking goals is massive,” Ms Barras said.

Henry’s journey highlights the importance of newborn hearing screening, a simple but crucial test that helps identify issues early and unlock support networks.

NT Hearing Services Audiology Team Leader Eleanor Peacocke stressed the significance of early detection, noting that intervention can drastically improve a child’s ability to communicate and learn.

“It’s really nice to see Henry just over a year after diagnosing him and to see him grown up and doing well,” she said.

“Don’t take hearing for granted. If you’re concerned, do something sooner rather than later.”

Henry Barras, who was diagnosed with hearing loss through a newborn screening and now thrives with his cochlear implant. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

With baby number two on the way, Ms Barras knew there’s a 50 per cent chance their newest addition could also have hearing loss.

But rather than worry, she’s prepared.

“We already know about the support that’s available,” she said with confidence.

Her advice to other parents?

“Go on the ride. Celebrate every little milestone. Embrace the journey and love them for who they are.”

As World Hearing Day approaches on March 3, Henry’s story serves as a reminder that early detection can be the key to unlocking a bright future — one full of sound, speech, and possibility.

Originally published as Lucy Barras on her son Henry’s hearing challenges