RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — This week marks Educational Audiology Awareness Week. In Wake County, audiologists are helping students like Kenzie and Lily Ferguson thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
The sisters, who attend Oakview Elementary School, are among the first children in the United States to use a new kind of hearing technology called Bonebridge. This implanted internal bone conduction device works in tandem with an external sound processor, marking the latest milestone in their hearing journey.
“When Kenzie was about 18 months old, I just felt like she wasn’t really, like, hitting her communication milestones,” their mom, Jill Ferguson, shared. Jill, a speech pathologist, recognized early on that something was off. Her concerns led to doctor visits, hearing evaluations, and eventually a diagnosis explaining both girls’ hearing challenges.
“Their ear canals narrow to the point that they are closed,” explained Dr. Meg Guenther, an audiologist with the Wake County Public School System. “In that situation, a traditional hearing aid isn’t really effective because it doesn’t matter how loud we make it. That ear canal is not open, and the sound would always be dampened.”
Dr. Guenther is one of 14 audiologists supporting students across Wake County. She worked closely with the Ferguson family to enhance the girls’ classroom experience and ensure they have equitable access to the curriculum.
Kenzie and Lily were eventually selected to participate in a clinical study at the UNC School of Medicine. The study tested the Bonebridge system — a bone conduction implant that had, until then, only been used in adults.
“Because their ear canals are not open, the bone conduction hearing aid vibrates their skull, delivering sound directly to their inner ear,” said Dr. Guenther. “It’s a remarkably efficient way of hearing.”
Kenzie became the first child in the United States to receive the Bonebridge device as part of the clinical trial at UNC. Lily received hers a few months later.
“They did very well when they got these new devices,” Dr. Guenther noted. “We really saw a significant improvement in their confidence and their ability to answer questions.”
Their mom described the transformation as amazing, observing how both girls have become more independent. Today, Kenzie and Lily are learning at or above grade level and thriving socially.
“My friends talking to me,” Kenzie said when asked what she loves hearing most through her Bonebridge.
When asked how school is going, Lily answered, “Really good.” Kenzie added with a smile, “It’s a big thumbs up.”
The Fergusons say they’re proud to be part of a study that could help more children access this life-changing technology.
https://abc11.com/post/wake-county-sisters-among-first-us-children-try-new-hearing-implant/18039053/
