Judah Jedidiah D’Cruz, a 3-year-old boy from Subang Jaya, Selangor, was first suspected of having hearing issues at the age of 1 when his mother noticed that he only responded to songs by watching lip movements. Concerned, she took him for a medical check-up, which confirmed that little Judah had severe hearing loss in both ears. The doctors initially recommended hearing aids.

However, after 1.5 years of using hearing aids, Judah showed no signs of improvement. Following further evaluations, doctors have determined that Judah is a suitable candidate for cochlear implant surgery and recommended it be performed as soon as possible to ensure he doesn't miss the critical period for language development.

The surgery costs RM169,150, leaving Judah's parents in a difficult situation. Despite their best efforts to raise funds, they still face a significant shortfall. Desperate to help their son avoid a life of silence, they are appealing to the public for financial assistance, hoping that with support, Judah can have the chance to hear again and lead a normal life.

【Boy with Hearing Loss Only Able to Make Sounds "Ah" and "Da", Parents Hope He Can Escape the World of Silence】

Due to his hearing loss, 3-year-old Judah can only make basic sounds like "ah ah ah" and "da da da." To help him communicate his needs, his mother created some hand gestures and movements to assist him. For example, when Judah feels hungry, he touches his stomach or silently runs to the kitchen table, waiting there patiently.

Judah was born prematurely at 37 weeks with a low birth weight. When he was 3 months old, he could not hold his neck up. After further examination, doctors diagnosed him with Central Hypotonia, which caused developmental delays. They recommended physical therapy, and it wasn't until Judah was 10 months old that he could hold his head up. He learned to crawl at 1 year old and only began trying to walk after he turned 2.

Around the age of 1, Judah’s mother noticed that he did not react to music and would only watch her lips move. A subsequent examination confirmed that Judah had severe hearing loss in both ears. Despite wearing hearing aids for 1.5 years, there was little improvement. As a result, doctors advised cochlear implant surgery before Judah turns 3.

In December last year, Judah underwent an MRI and CT scan, revealing a rare white matter lesion in his brain. This condition affects the part of the brain responsible for transmitting nerve signals, disrupting communication between the brain and the body, leading to muscle weakness and hearing loss. There is no cure for this condition, and Judah will need ongoing monitoring. However, doctors note that as long as Judah shows growth and progress, it indicates that the disease is not worsening.

Judah’s father, Jahaziel Josiah D’Cruz (31), is a management consultant, while his mother, a former kindergarten teacher, quit her job to care for their son full-time. Judah is their only child.

Although the family can afford Judah’s future speech therapy and follow-up care, they are unable to cover the large cost of the cochlear implant surgery and are in urgent need of assistance. After a home visit assessment, One Hope Charity has decided to help Judah raise the RM169,150 required for the surgery and will take full responsibility for the fundraising. All donations will be handled by One Hope Charity, which will also allocate RM20,000 from its "Emergency Medical Reserve Fund." For any inquiries, please contact One Hope Charity hotline at 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192, or 018-911 4192.