Peppa Pig's George gets a hearing aid

Peppa Pig is set to introduce a groundbreaking new storyline in March, revealing that George Pig has moderate hearing loss and will begin using a hearing aid. Producers say the episodes aim to give young viewers a realistic and positive insight into life for deaf children. The storyline also features an audiologist voiced by deaf athlete and TV personality Jodie Ounsley, who became the first deaf female rugby player to represent England. BBC CWRs Vic Minett visited the children at the Hearing Resource Base at Howes Community Primary School to see what they think.

TRANSCRIPT
VIC: In a groundbreaking news storyline, George Pig, Peppa Pig's little brother, will be revealed in March to have moderate hearing loss and will begin wearing a hearing aid. It's hoped the new storyline for George will give millions of young viewers a first-hand look at what life is like for deaf children. The episodes feature an audiologist voiced by the TV personality, gladiator and deaf ex-rugby trailblazer Jodie Ounsley Ainsley, Fury, bringing real-life expertise to the screen. Representation is a big thing and that is what this is all about. I took time out to visit the hearing resource base at my old primary school, Howes Community Primary, to see what some of the kids there thought. Meet Yona and Othman who are deaf. Their sign language is interpreted by their lovely teacher Miss Carr.

VIC CONT: When I was here, the very first Hearing Resource Centre opened, basically a unit for children with hearing impairments. We're here today now at the Hearing Resource Base to find out what the youngsters here think of George Pig in Peppa Pig having a hearing aid.

PEPPA PIG: Today, Mummy and Peppa have brought George to the doctors for a check-up.

VIC: In front of me is a Barbie who's got a hearing aid, there's a Lottie as well, a little doll with a red anorak, red wellies and a cochlear implant as well. Now there's an empty box here that once contained a George pig, no ordinary George pig, this is a brand new George pig, he's born with a hearing aid and he's given the kids an in as to what the George on Peppa Pig will look like.

GEORGE PIG: I tell jokes. What cow comes at night? A mooooon

VIC: Look, like us. Look...

MISS CAR: Othman

VIC: Othman, look, hearing aids.

OTHMAN: Oh wow.

MISS CAR: Wow, yeah. Well, hearing aids, yes.

VIC: I'm deaf as well, so same as you, I can't hear. And George is deaf. Tell me what you can see.

OTHMAN: Yes.

MISS CAR: This, like your hearing aid. Your hearing aid.

VIC: Have you seen deaf cartoons before?

OTHMAN: No, no, no.

VIC: No

MISS CAR: No

VIC: There's no deaf cartoon characters out there. Does it make you happy to see George?

MISS CAR: Are you happy to see George?

VIC: Yeah.

MISS CAR: Yeah, George, same as who?

VIC: Yeah. Same as you.

PEPPA PIG/JODIE OUNSLEY: So, Peppa and George, every time you hear a beep, I would like you to put a beep in the bucket, okay?

MISS CAR: He's got headphones on. You have to put them in.

VIC: Yes..

MISS CAR: you have to put the block in.

VIC: Yes, that's right. Wow, that recognition is incredible, isn't it? That's the bit that resonated, not George's hearing aid, but the hearing test.

PEPPA PIG/ JODIE OUNSLEY: It'll take a while for you're here to get used to it. HE CHUCKLES But get ready, George. Things are going to get a bit louder. Ooh! He laughs