Hearing the rhythm: Aidan Moore’s inspiring life as a young musician with hearing loss

Anyone who has lived in or visited New Orleans knows the city pulses with a culture and rhythm all its own. From bustling street corners to community parades, live music flows through the Crescent City like a heartbeat. At the center of it all is the drummer – the driving force, the foundation of every band, and the soul of New Orleans’ music. For Aidan Moore, an 18-year-old with progressive hearing loss, that rhythm isn’t just a sound; it’s a natural-born gift. 

Early hearing challenges and support 

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 passed down through Aidan’s father’s side, an impactful discovery that was later included in a national study on genetics. 

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. 

Adjusting to life with hearing aids wasn’t always easy. Aidan and his mom recalled moments of frustration when he felt different from his peers, particularly during his early teen years. “There were moments he wanted to blend in and forget all about his hearing aids,” Renée said. “But 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. His father, Philip Moore, who has hearing loss, is part of a family steeped in musical tradition. Aidan’s grandfather, Alvin Ford, Sr., was a drum major for Gretna Jr. High School and a percussionist at West Jefferson High School, along with being the percussionist for the Grammy Award Winning New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, inspiring Aidan to follow in his footsteps. Aidan even began leading at age 3, imitating his grandfather with a homemade baton as they marched together ahead of the band. His mother is a talented musician, and one of his uncles is the percussionist for Pretty Lights, a globally recognized contemporary artist. 

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. 

A defining turning point in his life 

During a Mardi Gras parade in 2017, Aidan faced a big moment. Performing without his hearing aids at the time, he struggled to stay in rhythm, realizing how much he relied on clear sound to connect with his music. “I remember feeling lost. I couldn’t hear the tempo or the other instruments clearly,” Aidan said. “I knew at that moment, I needed my hearing aids to keep doing what I loved.” That experience was a turning point for Aidan, highlighting the importance of his hearing devices, not just as tools for hearing, but as vital to his passion for drumming. 

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. This memorable performance, captured in a video, further solidified his understanding of the importance of wearing hearing aids for his success. 

He soon began to grow more confident in viewing his hearing aids as essential tools. The hospital’s audiology team, including his current audiologist, Laura Neff, AuD, supported him with regular evaluations to adjust his devices as needed, ensuring they were tailored for both speech and music. As a teenager, he received advanced hearing aids and ear molds designed for his active lifestyle, providing a secure fit during performances and sports. Beyond technical care, the team addressed the emotional challenges of hearing loss, helping Aidan fully embrace his passion for music. 

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. At Manning Family Children’s, the audiology department provides comprehensive services for patients from birth to age 21, including advanced diagnostic testing, hearing aid fittings and adjustments, cochlear implant services, and surgical and non-surgical bone-anchored hearing devices. The audiology department works closely with other specialties including therapy services, ENT, and the craniofacial team. Their interdisciplinary approach tailors care to each child’s unique needs. For Aidan, this meant optimizing his devices to support both his music and academics, enabling him to thrive in every aspect of his life. 

Marching toward a bright future 

Today, as a drum major for the St. Augustine Marching 100, Aidan exemplifies resilience, leadership, and dedication while leading 150 band members. His silver hearing molds, chosen for visibility in case they fall out during performances or sports, are a reminder that hearing loss is just one part of his story, not a limitation. Beyond the band room, Aidan also serves as the school’s senior class president, is an active member of the student government association, and participates in several other student organizations. 

 “Don’t see hearing loss as a downgrade. See it as your superpower. Embrace who you are, and don’t let anything hold you back,” Aidan said, offering advice to others who may be navigating similar situations. 

His mother echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and open communication: “Normal isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about waking up each day, doing your best, and embracing who you are. As a parent, listen to your child, ask questions, and lean on experts like those at Manning Family Children’s. They’ve been our partners and treated us like family throughout Aidan’s life.” 

No matter where Aidan’s future takes him as he approaches high school graduation, music will always be at the heart of his journey. While the road hasn’t always been easy, including times when the family received difficult news or faced unexpected challenges, they credit Manning Family Children’s with being there every step of the way. The hospital’s audiology team not only focused on Aidan’s medical needs but also extended their care beyond the clinic, helping the family navigate resources and services to ensure Aidan could thrive. 

With this support, Aidan has turned hearing loss into a stepping stone rather than an impediment. His story is a testament to the power of determination, expert care, and the rhythms that connect us all. 

For more information about the Audiology Department at Manning Family Children’s, visit https://www.manningchildrens.org/services/rehabilitation-services/audiology/