You Helped Ilham Bibi Hear
Ilham Bibi's Story
Ilham Bibi, a delightful 4-year-old from Swat, faced a significant challenge early in her life. Born with congenital sensorineural hearing loss, Ilham was unable to hear the world around her, which significantly hindered her ability to communicate and learn.
Her parents first became aware of her hearing difficulties when she was just one year old, as she did not respond to their voices. Concerned, they took her to a local hospital for evaluation. After a series of tests and consultations, the diagnosis was clear: Ilham had sensorineural deafness. Medical experts recommended a cochlear implant surgery to potentially restore her hearing, but the high cost of the procedure put it out of reach due to the family’s financial constraints.In their quest for help, Ilham’s parents learned about Transparent Hands. Filled with hope, they approached us, seeking financial assistance to afford the life-changing surgery for their daughter.
Thanks to generous donations, Ilham Bibi was admitted to Ali Medical Center in Islamabad, where on March 27, 2024, Dr. Jawad Ahmed, a skilled surgeon, performed the delicate surgery to install the internal component of her cochlear implant. Just a day later, Ilham left the hospital, her life filled with new hope.
Over the next six weeks, with ongoing support from Transparent Hands, the external part of the implant was fitted successfully. Alongside this significant progress, Ilham began attending scheduled speech therapy sessions, crucial for her reintegration into the world of sound.
Her life has been profoundly changed. Once enveloped in silence, Ilham now experiences the rich tapestry of sounds—from laughter and conversations to the subtle melodies of life. This story highlights the power of community support and the resilience of Ilham Bibi, who has courageously overcome her challenges to embrace a world full of sound. Ilham’s newfound ability to hear has opened doors to deeper connections with her family and friends, allowing her to participate fully in conversations and activities that were once beyond her reach.