Relief for deaf mum with arrival of hearing dog

A DEAF mum feels she and her baby are truly safe in their own home for the first time, thanks to being matched with a hearing dog.

- By ABIGAIL NICHOLSON

Sarah Urwin, from Middlesbrough, was three years old when her hearing loss was first identified.

Despite early challenges using hearing aids, a breakthrough came at the age of 24 when Sarah took part in a trial for bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs), which significantly improved both her hearing and her speech. However, everyday life continued to pose difficulties.

She said: "When I moved into my own home at 27, I really struggled to adjust. I knew I wouldn't hear a fire or a break-in, and that made me feel very unsafe.

"I'd once slept through the smoke alarm at my family home - it made me realise how vulnerable I was.

"I often felt isolated in busy public places, unable to hear Tannoy announcements. I felt anxious and vulnerable in a group setting.