The anniversary of a Dundee toddler’s first experience of sound was a cause for celebration for his family.
A drum beating in a Verona hospital was the first noise two-year-old Oliver Bosch heard after he had major brain surgery to fit an implant to enable him to hear.
Born without auditory nerves, the operation was the family’s only hope of Oliver being able to start school in the hearing world.
One year on his parents, Jemma and Ben, have been so pleased with his progress they threw a party at the insistence of Oliver’s six-year-old sister Darcey.
Jemma said: “Darcey really wanted to celebrate Oliver’s first year hearing and insisted I get a cake. She wanted to make the first noise as well so it is a big thing for them both.”
The family spent a quiet night in with Oliver’s grandparents and a fish and chip takeaway for his “hearing birthday”, which marks another milestone in his development.
Jemma said: “The year has flown by. When I look back it doesn’t seem like a whole year ago we were in Italy.
“He is still not speaking but he is turning to sounds really well. He doesn’t always know where the sounds are coming from but he recognises noises, like someone knocking on the door.
“He still enjoys playing with his drum and is such a happy wee boy.”
Although Oliver is gaining more awareness of sound and learning sign language to help him communicate his family are waiting in the hope of hearing his first word.
Jemma said: “I can’t believe how far he has come. I would love him to say his first word but I know that will come.”
She continued: “He is coming along well with his signing and he signs for cheese which is his favourite food his shoes and his milk. He also signs for his favourite TV programme and his hippo.”
Oliver’s condition also impacts on his balance, so he has recently been given a frame-like walking aid that he is gaining confidence on.
The family were recently accepted on to a speech therapy course for siblings in LA, which should help Darcey and Oliver communicate even more.
They continue to fundraise and organise events to pay for treatments like his speech therapy in the hope he will have some way caught up to his peers by the time he starts school.
To find out more visit the Oliver Bosch Appeal on Facebook.