Mile 81

Aidan’s experience with Manning Family Children’s began just after his birth when a routine newborn screening revealed early signs of hearing impairment. His mother, Renée, immediately started looking for answers, beginning a long-term partnership with the hospital’s pediatric audiologists that would shape Aidan’s life.  Genetic testing by his physician at the time confirmed a hereditary form of progressive hearing loss. As he grew, Aidan’s hearing loss worsened, making it increasingly difficult for him to hear certain sounds and pitches. By kindergarten, audiologists fitted Aidan with his first pair of hearing aids. These devices became essential, helping him hear his teachers, interact with others, and engage with the world around him. The ability to recognize pitches would later become especially significant as Aidan developed his drumming skills, where keeping the beat and hearing different sounds were key.

It was clear from a young age that Aidan wasn’t going to let hearing loss stop him. The family credits early interactions with their audiologist team at Manning Family Children’s with helping him stay engaged and confident, introducing him to books and activities that laid a strong foundation for his success and sense of self. Aidan’s determination was rooted in his family’s rich musical legacy.  With music in his family DNA, Aidan’s natural talent quickly shone through. He explored various instruments before discovering his love for percussion through a local nonprofit program that introduces young people to the traditions of marching band culture. There, his talent stood out, and he later joined the iconic St. Augustine Marching 100.  Aidan also had a full-circle moment as a member of the Roots of Music Marching Band, where he overcame adversity and earned a spot marching on the highly coveted “end” position. Dr. Neff and the audiology team continue to monitor Aidan’s hearing and adjust his hearing devices and ear molds to keep up with his busy life as a drummer, student, and athlete, ensuring consistent sound quality and a reliable fit. Today, Aidan is marching toward a bright future as a recent high school graduate heading off to college where he hopes to continue to pursue marching.