Teddy bears with hearing aids given to children in hospital

A boy who lost his hearing in both ears during cancer treatment has been surprised with a teddy bear that has hearing aids.

Thomas, who attends preschool at The Elizabeth Foundation in Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Hampshire, was gifted the Black Panther toy with sewn-on hearing aids.

The gift was part of a donation by Havant Specsavers audiologist Ruth Avierinos, who said her goal was "to reduce the stigma around hearing conditions".

Thomas' mother, Vicky, said she had "been looking for teddies with this kind of representation".

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