Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hearing Aides

Friday Isaac got his ears molded for hearing aides. He was a good sport and didn't squirm as much as I thought he would when the audiologist squirted funny stuff into his ears. Of course Lynn and I sang several songs to him, including his all time fav's like "twinkle twinkle little star" and "head and shoulders, knees and toes." I have to be totally honest, I have had mixed feelings about these hearing aides. There are a few things I've had to consider, aside from the fact that he will have another exciting piece of plastic to play with.

Since Isaac is non-verbal and will most likely use sign language, my dilemma has been how well the hearing aides will improve his current language development. Another thing I've considered is when Isaac was 4 months old he passed his NICU hearing exam as well as another exam when he was around 6 months old. He didn't start showing possible hearing loss on the tests until he was almost a year old. The audiologist said they are not clear as to if the loss could be from built up of fluid, wax, etc. in the ears, in which the ENT removed tons of blockage in July. Another concern is that Isaac is extremely sensitive to sudden high pitched noises. In fact certain loud toys will throw him over the edge. It's funny when I have to tell my daughter "no squeaking around your brother." So I'm not so sure how well he will tolerate the aides.

So, that being said, we are going try them out.

What do we have to lose? Right?

Isaac finally got a stander of his very own on Thursday in blue! I will be sure to post pics in my next post.

I have a yucky head cold this weekend so I've been bathing myself in hand sanitizer and hoping that Isaac doesn't get it!

-Colleen

6 comments:

Junior said...

Good luck with the hearing aides. Can't wait to see pics of Issac in his new stander

Janis said...

Of course...I may have some insight into the hearing aids. BTW What is his loss?

1. I understand he is nonverbal, but that is not the same as acquiring language. If you want him to understand YOU speaking the hearing aid is the way to go. Language & Speech are two different things.

2. I wear two HA too...shocked ya huh? So, yes it is REALLY annoying at first to hear EVERYTHING even yourself crunching. But you just work him up to it slowly - duration & volume and hopefully he will see how much better it is and wear them willingly.

3. There are things you can buy to "cover" the BTE HA so that he will have them in his mouth.

4. As to his progressive hearing loss....there are several Abx (such as TOBI) that are Ototoxic. My guess would be Isaac has been on MANY different meds since his birth and any number of those & other factors may contribute to this. Has he had an ABR?

((HUGS)) Let me know if you need any more help.

Janis said...

FOr #3 Meant to say...there are covers you can buy so that he will NOT have them in his mouth & if her does there will be minimal damage.

Colleen said...

Thank you, since I'm a total newbie in the hearing aide department I will be looking to other Mom's like you who have experience first hand. I have also suspected the Tobi, Vancomiacin etc. as being a possible reason for the loss especially since it's been progressive. The audiologist said she is making mild hearing aides that won't be so overwhelming for him and we can experiment for small durations.

Anonymous said...

What, no pics?!! Where are the usual pics! (lol!).
Don't you feel peppy enough to be grab your camera and put together a picture theme?!!!

Just kidding. I know how sick you are. Hope this at least made you laugh (my sometimes, dry sense of humor).

I hope his hearing aides work and he will adjust to them in time. Will pray for that.

Love, Gammy

Alicia said...

Sorry you were sick, that's no fun! I hope you are feeling better soon.

I'll be hoping and praying that Isaac's hearing aids will really help him out. I know it's tough to know exactly what to do in these situations, but I think you took the right step. And like you said, what do you have to lose, right?

Have a great week!