Nasha Bosman knew what life sounded like until hearing became a struggle that turned into permanent hearing loss. However, good people kept an ear out for Nasha, and soon the sound of laughter was no longer a memory!
Western Cape, South Africa (6 April, 2023) — Nasha Bosman was no stranger to life’s symphony of sounds. Born with normal hearing, his early years were filled with the laughter of friends in his neighbourhood, teacher’s lessons at school, and the sound of spirited sport.
As Nasha grew older, the world started to sound different. Eventually, hearing wasn’t a thoughtless task or a simple reflex anymore. By the time he was 9 years old, he had developed something most don’t experience until they’re years older if they ever do—hearing loss.
His mother, Angeline Bosman explained that specialists couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause. A few years and further decline went by, and at 12 years old, Nasha was diagnosed again. This time, it was progressive sensorineural hearing loss—a permanent kind of loss where parts of the inner ear or auditory nerve are damaged.
He’d gotten a hearing aid, but speech was still a foggy sound. However, hope sometimes comes in the tiniest forms, and for Nasha something little would make all the difference in the world.
The hope of getting a cochlear implant would be a treasure for Nasha, but it would cost a small fortune.
“Cochlear implantation involves surgically implanting an electronic medical device that bypasses the damaged part of the inner ear, thereby enabling sound signals to get through to the brain. Many individuals who are ideal candidates for this cannot afford it, and it is particularly sad when a young child who can benefit hugely from such a procedure, is unable to have it,” — Sharlene Swart of Netcare.
Still, people like the team at Hear Us and the Netcare Foundation kept their ears to the ground as they do for many people in need of help through hearing and its pricey pitches.
Nasha was identified as a candidate for the procedure, and thanks to a fantastic blend of tech and humanity, his cochlear implantation was soon underway!
Professor James Loock, an ENT surgeon performed the life-changing procedure that would give the world back to Nasha in sound.
“Since his cochlear implant was switched on, Nasha’s hearing is improving every day. He can now focus properly on his school work instead of trying to lip read what the teachers are saying and he is really enjoying life again. It is an amazing change and it’s thanks to all the caring people who came together to make this possible,”— Angeline Bosman.
Nasha is one of many comeback stories the people at Hear Us help make possible.
Established by parents of deaf children, Hear Us’s mission is to financially empower the deaf to get their cochlear implants and hear the world again. You can find out more about them here.
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