The Next Step
I realized I never posted an update after we went to see the ENT specialist to discuss Nicholas' hearing loss. We were able to get an appt at the end of December and I kept meaning to post about it but didn't manage to.
Anyways...
We met with the doc and decided the next course of action is to repeat the test that he had in November (the ABR- automated brainstem response) that determined the hearing loss. Only this time, Nicholas will be sedated. :( This second test will give us a clearer picture of the amount of hearing loss he has. With the first test, he was sleeping in his daddy's arms and did a lot of stirring. Being sedated, he won't be.
Admittedly, I am hoping that this second test comes back and tells us it was all a huge mistake and Nicholas' hearing is just fine and dandy. Realistically, I know that is most likely not going to happen. In fact, the results could actually come back worse.
He'll be doing the test in mid February when he is 4 months old. Around six months, they'll start doing booth testing which will require Nicholas to interact with the speech pathologist.
The ENT has said that at this point, he does not think it is necessary to fit Nicholas with hearing aids. Most of the talking we'll be doing with him will be face to face and he can (supposedly) hear us just fine up close. Once we get the results of the second ABR and the booth testing, I imagine we will begin discussing hearing aids at that point. I guesstimate he'll have them before his first birthday.
Is it getting easier to cope with the fact that he has a hearing loss? Yes and no. I've accepted that it is what it is... and I fully intend to do everything I can to help him grow into a *normal* child. I love him just as much as I ever have. And I know that he will be just fine.
But on the other hand, like I mentioned earlier, if I could, I'd make this all go away like a bad dream.
Since we're sorta in limbo land until the next test, it's been easy to *almost* forget that he has a hearing loss. But I can't help but look into those tiny eyes and wonder what the future holds for him... and when I think of the challenges he'll face, I can't help but feel sad. I imagine that feeling won't go away any time soon.
Anyways...
We met with the doc and decided the next course of action is to repeat the test that he had in November (the ABR- automated brainstem response) that determined the hearing loss. Only this time, Nicholas will be sedated. :( This second test will give us a clearer picture of the amount of hearing loss he has. With the first test, he was sleeping in his daddy's arms and did a lot of stirring. Being sedated, he won't be.
Admittedly, I am hoping that this second test comes back and tells us it was all a huge mistake and Nicholas' hearing is just fine and dandy. Realistically, I know that is most likely not going to happen. In fact, the results could actually come back worse.
He'll be doing the test in mid February when he is 4 months old. Around six months, they'll start doing booth testing which will require Nicholas to interact with the speech pathologist.
The ENT has said that at this point, he does not think it is necessary to fit Nicholas with hearing aids. Most of the talking we'll be doing with him will be face to face and he can (supposedly) hear us just fine up close. Once we get the results of the second ABR and the booth testing, I imagine we will begin discussing hearing aids at that point. I guesstimate he'll have them before his first birthday.
Is it getting easier to cope with the fact that he has a hearing loss? Yes and no. I've accepted that it is what it is... and I fully intend to do everything I can to help him grow into a *normal* child. I love him just as much as I ever have. And I know that he will be just fine.
But on the other hand, like I mentioned earlier, if I could, I'd make this all go away like a bad dream.
Since we're sorta in limbo land until the next test, it's been easy to *almost* forget that he has a hearing loss. But I can't help but look into those tiny eyes and wonder what the future holds for him... and when I think of the challenges he'll face, I can't help but feel sad. I imagine that feeling won't go away any time soon.
posted by Anonymous at 10:08 PM
5 Comments:
Hi Cathy, it's me again, via Michele.
I seriously hope all goes well with your little man's tests that are coming up. All you can do is look on the bright side of life hey? My thoughts are with you...
I'm sure that no matter what, Nicholas will have a full life and he'll know that he's loved. I wish I could say something that would make it better for you. (hugs)
Hi Cathy, thanks for visiting my blog! That led me here...and I really enjoy your blog.
Sorry to hear about the son's hearing problems. I don't have any words of wisdom on that front. Other than to say, I work in the field of special education so I know lots of audiologists and speech-language folks. And that field has changed so dramatically during my 20 years of teaching. That is truly a field where emerging technology has changed what they do!
You will settle for nothing less than him having a full life. You are strong and he will be too.
Hello from TN. I just found your blog through Jennifer's. I'd like to follow Nicholas' hearing journey with you. Things have changed alot since I was diagnosed with my severe/profound hearing loss at the age of 2 many years ago. Nicholas will have a full life - I have proof!
I love the title of your blog!
Laurie in TN (who is a former Buckeye!
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