2nd implant for 3 yr old

[Guest guest]

I have a three yr old son who was implanted on one side 1 1/2 yrs ago. He hears

very well, down to 20 db, but only pays attention to (and mimics) environmental

sounds, not so much verbal ones. He is an awesome signer - and relies on sign

totally. I am considering getting a second implant, but the audiolgist says if

the first one isnt working, why do the second? I feel that it is WORKING, he

hears everything, he just doesnt RELY upon or value speech. My fear is that if

we dont implant that the nerve will die off and that any future techology that

may come available then wont be available to him. Ideas/ thoughts?? (FYI, there

is already an electrode left in place in the non-implanted ear from a previous

rejection of a CI device - so hopefully surgery will be very easy!?)

Lacey in CA

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[Guest guest]

Relies on sign totally..can I ask if your three year old son is in a totally

oral program or sign only program or a school where they use a combination

of speech and sign? Is he receiving any auditory training at all?

When I got my CI, I knew that I needed auditory training on a regular basis

and it helped a lot!

It is wonderful that your son is an awesome signer because that gives him a

good start in language development.

Perhaps you and your son could go on a " treasure hunt " finding different

sounds. Like if you hear a bird call, you can ask did you hear that?

My AVT has a game where we listen to different sounds on tape and I need to

pick which picture matches what I am hearing. I could not tell the

difference between a lamb saying " baaa " and a baby crying.

Great news on him hearing at 20 dB.

A.

In a message dated 1/10/2006 10:12:23 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

lacedoxie@... writes:

I have a three yr old son who was implanted on one side 1 1/2 yrs ago. He

hears very well, down to 20 db, but only pays attention to (and mimics)

environmental sounds, not so much verbal ones. He is an awesome signer - and

relies on sign totally. I am considering getting a second implant, but the

audiolgist says if the first one isnt working, why do the second? I feel that

it

is WORKING, he hears everything, he just doesnt RELY upon or value speech. My

fear is that if we dont implant that the nerve will die off and that any

future techology that may come available then wont be available to him. Ideas/

thoughts?? (FYI, there is already an electrode left in place in the

non-implanted ear from a previous rejection of a CI device - so hopefully

surgery will

be very easy!?) Lacey in CA