A TODDLER left profoundly deaf after contracting a deadly form of meningitis is set to start hearing sounds again today for the first time in nine months.

The Worcester News reported last year how Cole Forse, who is now two, nearly died last year after contracting pneumococcal meningitis, which leaves half of survivors with permanent disabilities that can be as severe as brain damage, deafness, and cerebral palsy.

Cole remained in hospital until the end of June and in October, after tests, his mum and dad Annabelle and Rob found out that he had been left profoundly deaf.

But three weeks ago, the brave youngster was fitted with cochlear implants - and they are due to be switched on today.

The small electronic devices placed under the skin can help provide a sense of sound.

Mrs Forse, from Victoria Terrace in Pershore, said: "At first we thought he was severely deaf, which means he would have had some hearing, but then the diagnosis changed to profoundly deaf. "We are hoping that the implants will give him some hearing back." She added that after returning home, Cole had lost many of his skills and reverted back to a new born. But Cole is now eating after having a gastric tube removed, and has regained most of the skills his parents thought may be permanently lost. "He is not yet walking again, but we hope it won't be long," Mrs Forse added

"After his illness we were told not to get our hopes up but he's done really well.

"We want to pay a big thank you to our family and friends for their help and support, and the health professionals from the doctors to the speech therapists who have helped Cole - they have been absolutely fantastic."

After Cole's illness, Mrs Forse backed plans for a new pneumococcal vaccine, launched in September, as she said she didn't want any other parents to go through what she did.

As a result of her story, which was pinned up at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and her local toddler group, she said she was delighted many new mums had decided to have their child immunised.

She added: "I know there are concerns children have too many jabs, but I would urge all parents to let their child be vaccinated against this type of meningitis."