Parents Sue NHS Trust After Son’s Hearing Loss Ignored for Years

Parents of a young boy, Tommie Denman, have initiated legal action against the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust after his profound hearing loss went undetected for over three years. Despite undergoing multiple tests, Tommie’s hearing issues were overlooked by medical professionals, raising concerns about the adequacy of testing protocols and the potential impact on other children.

Tommie’s parents, Kirstie and Gavin Denman, expressed their frustration over the repeated assurances they received from various specialists that Tommie’s hearing was normal. Initially born at just 29 weeks, they were informed that his developmental delays were likely due to his premature birth. Even after raising concerns about his hearing, they were reassured that “boys are lazy” and typically develop at a different pace than girls.

The Trust has since acknowledged that Tommie was born with hearing loss that should have been identified earlier. It was not until his eighth hearing test, when he was three-and-a-half years old, that he was diagnosed as being profoundly deaf. This diagnosis came after the Trust had already admitted that “red flag” signs had been missed in previous tests.

Failures in Audiology Services Identified

The Denmans consulted medical negligence specialists at Hudgell Solicitors after being advised about the level of failings in Tommie’s care. The family is now seeking compensation to ensure Tommie receives the necessary support and therapy. At the age of ten-and-a-half, Tommie is still experiencing developmental delays due to the late diagnosis.

Investigations into the audiology departments at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and Scunthorpe General Hospital revealed serious shortcomings. A review conducted by the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) highlighted that testing facilities were inadequately equipped and that staff lacked proper training. The BAA reviewed cases from April 2018 to January 2023 and reported that the services were categorized as “high risk,” with tests not conducted according to established protocols.

The review’s findings indicated that incorrect testing environments and poorly placed equipment could lead to inaccurate results, potentially jeopardizing children’s hearing assessments. As a response to these revelations, the Grimsby facility was closed, and numerous services at the Scunthorpe site were paused to allow for a comprehensive recall of patients needing further assessment.

Impact on Tommie’s Development

Kirstie Denman shared her concerns about the long-term implications of the missed diagnosis, stating that other children may endure similar setbacks. She noted that had Tommie received a cochlear implant between six months and one year, his developmental trajectory could have been significantly improved. Instead, Tommie was fitted with ineffective hearing aids, delaying his access to critical sound exposure.

Kirstie recalled, “If we hadn’t been so insistent and had accepted what we were being told, Tommie wouldn’t have been recalled for testing following the national review until he was nine-and-a-half years old.” This persistence ultimately led to a diagnosis and the fitting of cochlear implants, which have since transformed Tommie’s ability to hear and participate in learning.

Despite the challenges, Kirstie and Gavin expressed pride in Tommie’s progress. He is now preparing for a transition to secondary school, supported by the specialized resources that have become essential for his education. “His speech has come on very well, and he is understandable when he talks to people for the first time,” Kirstie said.

In a letter to the Denmans, the Trust acknowledged the findings of the BAA review, admitting to multiple failures within its audiology department, including the improper conduct of newborn hearing screenings. They emphasized that if better protocols had been in place, Tommie’s hearing loss would have been identified much sooner.

A spokesperson for NHS Humber Health Partnership extended apologies to Tommie’s family and stated that the Trust is committed to improving its services. They reported that all recommendations from the independent review have been implemented, focusing on enhancing staff training and upgrading facilities to ensure safe, high-quality audiology services.

As the family navigates legal proceedings, they remain dedicated to advocating for better healthcare practices to prevent similar situations from affecting other children. Their case underscores the importance of thorough hearing assessments and timely interventions, which can be crucial in shaping a child’s development and future opportunities.