A SIX year old Otley girl is enjoying finally hearing properly following surgery.

Anabella Chambers, better known to her family and friends as Annie, has been suffering from hearing problems for years.

She was first fitted with grommets after initially being diagnosed with 'glue ear', but kept suffering from infections which continued when she switched to conventional hearing aids.

Last summer, in a bid to solve the problem, Annie successfully had a Bilateral Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) implanted in her left ear at Leeds General Infirmary.

She and her parents, Chris and Helen, were so impressed with the results that a BAHA has now also been fitted to her right ear - and made a dramatic difference.

Mrs Chambers said: "We are thrilled with the results of the operation as it allows Annie to be a lively six year old and enjoy all her hobbies.

"This type of hearing aid means we are no longer worrying about ear infections and Annie is very lucky to have received two, giving her complete hearing for the first time.”

Mr Chambers added: "Since having the BAHAs fitted Annie’s development and confidence at school has grown and she is now able to join in with lots more activities with her friends.

"We are very grateful to everyone at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for the seamless care Annie has received and we can’t recommend the implants enough for children with hearing difficulties like hers."

BAHAs work using a small titanium implant that is inserted into the bone behind the patient’s ear to create an attachment for a small, external screw.

A sound processor is then clipped to that and directs sound vibrations through the bone of the skull to stimulate the inner ear, allowing the patient to hear more clearly.

A few weeks after the operation a specialist audiologist is able to adapt each implant - which can potentially last a lifetime - to the patient’s hearing.

Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Mr Sanjay Verma, implanted each of Annie's hearing aids in two, 30 minute operations.

He said: "The BAHA implant is a very useful hearing option for our young patients.

"For patients like Annie, who regularly suffered from ear infections with both grommets and conventional hearing aids, BAHA implants give them an excellent level of hearing which has a positive impact on their social and educational

development.

"The dedicated hard work of our paediatric ward and theatre teams, including Paediatric Anaesthetist Dr Mark Wigginton, meant Annie recovered from the operation quickly.

"She is one of only a few paediatric patients who have had two BAHAs fitted, so it is gratifying to hear how much of a difference they have made."

BAHAs come in a range of colours and can be customised, so Annie is aiming to decorate hers to match her dress when she is a flower girl at an upcoming wedding.