My child can hear birds now: a mother on raising a child with a hearing disability

It took years of medical checks to finally get the diagnosis. But Lerato Shoba (41) knew there was a problem with her child’s hearing and she persevered until her questions were answered.

In the early years, Naledi Shoba (10) had a normal childhood. She enjoyed skipping rope with her friends and she loved to cook and bake. But as time went by, Lerato noticed her daughter was not as vocal as other children her age.

When Lerato called her name, Naledi turned and listened but she struggled to hear a car starting up outside or the birds singing in the park.