The Challenge
When Hayley's seven-year-old son, Sam, was diagnosed with glue ear, the impact was becoming increasingly noticeable at school. While waiting for NHS grommet surgery, he was already beginning to experience speech and language difficulties, finding it harder to hear his teacher clearly and keep up with classroom learning.
Like many children with glue ear, fluctuating hearing levels meant that important parts of lessons were often being missed. This was beginning to affect not only his educational progress but also his confidence and social development.
Hayley wanted a practical solution that could help bridge the gap while waiting for treatment.
The SOlution
After speaking with Zova Sound Solutions, Hayley chose the Bone Conduction Headphone & Microphone Kit.
Unlike traditional headphones that rely on air conduction through the ear canal, the headset uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through the cheekbones directly to the inner ear. The lightweight wireless microphone is worn by the teacher, transmitting their voice directly to the headset so Sam can hear speech more clearly, even in a busy classroom.
Because the ears remain open, Sam is still able to hear other sounds around him while benefiting from much clearer access to his teacher's voice.
The Outcome
The improvement was immediate. Sam could hear his teacher far more clearly throughout the school day, reducing the frustration of constantly trying to listen and keeping him engaged during lessons.
The system has provided valuable support while waiting for surgery, helping him participate more confidently in class and reducing the impact that glue ear was having on his speech, language and educational development.
For Hayley, it has provided reassurance that her son can continue learning without waiting months for treatment.
Ideal for:
- Children with glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
- Pupils waiting for grommet surgery
- Temporary conductive hearing loss
- Classroom learning and speech development
- Schools looking for an affordable hearing support solution
"This is a fantastic and cost-effective solution I'd highly recommend. I purchased this for my seven-year-old son, Sam, who has been diagnosed with glue ear. He is currently on the NHS waiting list for grommet surgery but was already displaying signs at school of speech and language difficulties and challenges with his social and educational development. He can now hear his teacher clearly as this product uses bone conduction for the sound, not air conduction like our ears would normally use to hear. Such a clever idea!"