‘If anything, it’s made me more successful’
Daniela Messenger, 42, is a revenue accountant from London.
As my mother is deaf, I had a 50% chance of being born with hearing issues. But, initially, it was thought I could hear normally. It was only when I was seven, and doctors realised I couldn’t hear certain high-frequency sounds, that anyone realised there was something wrong. Until then, my teacher had branded me as lazy and even made me wear a dunce’s cap at times – when actually I couldn’t hear instructions properly.
Over the years, I learnt to lip-read and developed tricks to cope with ordinary life – such as keeping an eye on the netball referee in case I missed a whistle. Most of the time, I didn’t feel any different from other children – although I do remember being upset when a boy in my class asked about my ‘funny voice’.
My hearing impairment didn’t stop me doing what I wanted, though. After finishing college at 18, I took a role in a finance department and studied accountancy in the evenings. In 2004, I met my husband, Steve, 43, and in 2011, I found out I was expecting – we were overjoyed.
Then, at six months pregnant, I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I suffered swollen legs, but also began to feel as if my ears were blocked, like being on a plane.
At 35 weeks, I gave birth to my daughter, Isabella, after being induced. Afterwards, my other symptoms subsided, but I was left profoundly deaf.
This story is from the May 04, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 04, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Clematis FOREVER
These adorable climbers offer months of colour
Quick cushion
Make sewing simple with this speedy appliqué project
Ahidden HEAVEN
Discover a new side to Cornwall on a visit to the quiet south coast peninsula of Roseland
Bright IDEAS
From floor lamps to ceiling pendants, we've found the best solutions to lighten every corner
Heard of EARTH DAY?
We find out how this annual event is trying to help our planet
BETTER SLEEP...in a week!
Waking in the night or trouble nodding off? Here's how to improve your slumber in just seven days
National treasures
The UK is getting a new national park, which will be chosen soon from a number of options. Here are some of the gems we have already
'My dream role would be winning the lottery!'
Actor Larry Lamb on his lucky career, reality show stints and what he does to stay healthy