Fife woman loses hearing for second time after car crash

A deaf woman has opened up about her recovery after a car crash left her unable to hear for the second time in her life. 

Paige Elliott was born deaf and at two years old was fitted with a cochlear implant to overcome hearing loss - the device worked as intended and helped her lead a normal life.

But in 2024 she was involved in a car crash which destroyed her implant - it left her unable to speak on the phone or listen to music and Paige now relies on a hearing aid dog for help. 

She said: “Physically and emotionally, the crash just completely up-ended my life. 

“When I lost the implant it was terrifying – I had a normal life and to suddenly be thrust back into a world of silence was jarring, scary and you feel incredibly alone.”

Paige’s life changed on 15 July 2024.

She was a passenger in a relative’s car and as they travelled near Bankhead Roundabout at Glenrothes, Fife, they were struck from behind at speed by a Land Rover Discovery. 

The collision left Paige with soft tissue damage to her face and neck. 

However the crash caused her head to ricochet off the headrest – this strike to her skull resulted in a significant concussion which also dislodged her cochlear implant.

Paige said: “It was a few seconds after the crash that I realised something wasn’t right as I couldn’t hear people talking around me. 

“It was really scary as on top of the shock and the pain I felt that I couldn’t communicate what has happening to me.”

Paige was taken via ambulance to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where medics treated her physical wounds. 

She then needed follow-up treatment with hearing specialists at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, in a bid to restore her hearing – however the attempts of this have provided mixed results.

Paige explained: “I have my new implant but it’s not the same as the old one as there’s certain sounds that don’t get picked up the same – I can’t even hear fire alarms anymore and my grandfather’s voice now sounds like a woman’s voice which is unpleasant for us both.

“I used to enjoy music and concerts as my old implant basically let me hear things normally but now I can’t really hear anything properly – the last song I remember listening to without issue was All Of Me by John Legend and that was before the crash.

“I’ve had procedures to try and fix things but now I really rely mostly on Fiji, my hearing dog.”

It’s understood Paige is experiencing issues with her new implant due to internal scar tissue which may be impacting the device’s effectiveness.

Despite the challenges of losing her hearing for the second time Paige remains positive and continues to accomplish and overcome obstacles.

Paige studied a BA (Hons) in Media, Hair and Make-up, Special Effects and Hair Design at York College University Centre and in September 2025 she graduated with a 2:1.

She is now being supported by Digby Brown Solicitors in a civil action against the driver of the Land Rover.

It’s hoped a successful case will help secure enhanced treatment to improve Paige’s hearing and boost her future quality of life. 

Ryan Smith, Partner at Digby Brown's Kirkcaldy office, said: “Paige has suffered a truly life-changing injury through no fault of her own and we are committed to ensuring she gets the treatment and positive outcome she deserves.”

More coverage of this story can be found in the Daily Record.