Re: Deaf/Hard of Hearing - venting...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My situation is a bit as the one you described.

In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

test to have something being done!

Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

and the other showed severe to profound loss.

The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

direction..

Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

GRRRRRR....

Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

IRELAND

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My situation is a bit as the one you described.

In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

test to have something being done!

Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

and the other showed severe to profound loss.

The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

direction..

Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

GRRRRRR....

Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

IRELAND

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My situation is a bit as the one you described.

In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

test to have something being done!

Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

and the other showed severe to profound loss.

The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

direction..

Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

GRRRRRR....

Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

IRELAND

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

Just want you to know a few things. First off, the results of Aidan's

hearing tests could be very different under GA than the ones he has

had previously. Carmen had been concluded to be completely deaf in

both ears and then after a good test was realized to have a mild loss

in one ear and moderate in the other. They do not recommend hearing

aids for her yet, but she does sign about 20 words and she is 20

months old. You can start sign language on your own without much else

but a good book or video from the library. Words like: eat, sleep,

more, all done, mama, dada, play " , etc. I just started doing these

signs in our daily interactions--not necesarily part of a lesson, and

Carmen picked them up out of my repetition. You can start doing it

today, actually--it's fun and really cool when they sign their first

word! So, that is my one suggestion to you to help you right this

minute. Go to the bookstore or library and get some videos or books!

As far as the healthcare/long waits, etc. I would be enraged. I'm

so sorry that it is taking this long and the only thing I am happy

about for you is that Aidan has been so healthy without needing even

one surgery so far--that is fantastic! Is he eating all his food by

mouth now? How is that going?

Also, I wanted to ask you your own impression of how Aidan is hearing.

Does he respond to sound at all? Your own instincts can probably

tell you a lot of what you need to know.

Good luck!!! , mom to Zachary 4.5 and Carmen 20 months (CHARGE)

>

> Hi ,

> My situation is a bit as the one you described.

>

> In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

> on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

> test to have something being done!

>

> Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

> But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

> advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

> Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

> had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

> Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

> has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

> Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

> and the other showed severe to profound loss.

>

> The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

> more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

> late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

> And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

>

> It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

> audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

> accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

> results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

>

> So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

> with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

> He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

> sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

> everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

> direction..

> Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

> BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

>

> To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

> matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

> with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

> just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

> some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

> in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

> It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

> toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

> GRRRRRR....

>

> Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

> IRELAND

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

Just want you to know a few things. First off, the results of Aidan's

hearing tests could be very different under GA than the ones he has

had previously. Carmen had been concluded to be completely deaf in

both ears and then after a good test was realized to have a mild loss

in one ear and moderate in the other. They do not recommend hearing

aids for her yet, but she does sign about 20 words and she is 20

months old. You can start sign language on your own without much else

but a good book or video from the library. Words like: eat, sleep,

more, all done, mama, dada, play " , etc. I just started doing these

signs in our daily interactions--not necesarily part of a lesson, and

Carmen picked them up out of my repetition. You can start doing it

today, actually--it's fun and really cool when they sign their first

word! So, that is my one suggestion to you to help you right this

minute. Go to the bookstore or library and get some videos or books!

As far as the healthcare/long waits, etc. I would be enraged. I'm

so sorry that it is taking this long and the only thing I am happy

about for you is that Aidan has been so healthy without needing even

one surgery so far--that is fantastic! Is he eating all his food by

mouth now? How is that going?

Also, I wanted to ask you your own impression of how Aidan is hearing.

Does he respond to sound at all? Your own instincts can probably

tell you a lot of what you need to know.

Good luck!!! , mom to Zachary 4.5 and Carmen 20 months (CHARGE)

>

> Hi ,

> My situation is a bit as the one you described.

>

> In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

> on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

> test to have something being done!

>

> Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

> But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

> advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

> Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

> had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

> Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

> has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

> Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

> and the other showed severe to profound loss.

>

> The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

> more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

> late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

> And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

>

> It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

> audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

> accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

> results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

>

> So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

> with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

> He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

> sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

> everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

> direction..

> Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

> BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

>

> To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

> matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

> with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

> just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

> some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

> in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

> It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

> toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

> GRRRRRR....

>

> Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

> IRELAND

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

Just want you to know a few things. First off, the results of Aidan's

hearing tests could be very different under GA than the ones he has

had previously. Carmen had been concluded to be completely deaf in

both ears and then after a good test was realized to have a mild loss

in one ear and moderate in the other. They do not recommend hearing

aids for her yet, but she does sign about 20 words and she is 20

months old. You can start sign language on your own without much else

but a good book or video from the library. Words like: eat, sleep,

more, all done, mama, dada, play " , etc. I just started doing these

signs in our daily interactions--not necesarily part of a lesson, and

Carmen picked them up out of my repetition. You can start doing it

today, actually--it's fun and really cool when they sign their first

word! So, that is my one suggestion to you to help you right this

minute. Go to the bookstore or library and get some videos or books!

As far as the healthcare/long waits, etc. I would be enraged. I'm

so sorry that it is taking this long and the only thing I am happy

about for you is that Aidan has been so healthy without needing even

one surgery so far--that is fantastic! Is he eating all his food by

mouth now? How is that going?

Also, I wanted to ask you your own impression of how Aidan is hearing.

Does he respond to sound at all? Your own instincts can probably

tell you a lot of what you need to know.

Good luck!!! , mom to Zachary 4.5 and Carmen 20 months (CHARGE)

>

> Hi ,

> My situation is a bit as the one you described.

>

> In this country, health services are slow montioned and it's getting

> on my nerves having to wait for months! everytime that Aidan needs a

> test to have something being done!

>

> Regarding his hearing, he had several " click " tests that he failed.

> But as these tests are rather basic, we have to wait to get some more

> advanced tests done by the Cochlear Implant Dept.

> Last 5th January (since the last " click " test in July!!!) he finally

> had the FIRST test with the Cochlear Implant Dept. Audiologist in

> Dublin (note that we have to cross this green island everytime Aidan

> has an appointment, 'cause there no such services in the West Coast.

> Lovely.)Result of this first test: One ear had no response whatsoever

> and the other showed severe to profound loss.

>

> The audiologist wanted to re-do the test this time under GA to get

> more accurate results. We were told it was going to be scheduled for

> late January. Now it happens it'll be in April (Grrrrrr...!!! >

> And still I haven't received ANY written confirmation of this either!!

>

> It's been a while since I have Aidan's ear moulds at home, but no

> audiologist wants to go ahead with any hearing aids before getting the

> accurate results of this test in April.. and by the time they get the

> results, the moulds won't fit, obviously!!!!

>

> So, in short, since Aidan was born, NOTHING has beeen done to HELP him

> with his hearing issue. Just a couple of tests and months of waiting.

> He's turning 1 year old next month, and I want AT LEAST to start with

> sign language.. thing that NOBODY has proposed so far, because

> everybody " seems " to be waiting for the blessed results to go in some

> direction..

> Why not just do something to help him to communicate NOW?? (If not

> BEFORE!! But, well, I cannot turn back time..)

>

> To be honest, yesterday, after reading the posts regarding this

> matter, I got really annoyed/upset.. knowing that babies are starting

> with hearing aids and sign language MONTHS before Aidan will.. It's

> just no fair on him, my Little Warrior.. He, as many other kids, has

> some problems he has to fight against by himself.. why not helping him

> in something we have the chance to improve NOW???

> It makes my blood boil, just sitting around, waiting.. (tic toc tic

> toc..) and, as time passes by, seeing NOTHING being done....

> GRRRRRR....

>

> Big Bad-tempered Warrior Pat, mum to Fiery Little Warrior Aidan -

> IRELAND

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

proposed so far..

Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

done, you have to do them yourself??

So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

million dollar question..

I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

Pat

Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

proposed so far..

Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

done, you have to do them yourself??

So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

million dollar question..

I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

Pat

Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

proposed so far..

Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

done, you have to do them yourself??

So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

million dollar question..

I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

Pat

Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

[Guest guest]

Pat, So you are ahead of the game! You already have the video--great!

I know that signs are different here in the U.S. between ASL and

traditional sign language. I don't think it matters as long as you

and Aidan have a way of communicating words. Carmen has her own signs

for things that aren't in any dictionary--but I know what she is

saying to me.

Pat, there are no words to describe the frustration and worry we have

over our kids. I sometimes think the only folks that really

understand are here on this list. The docs that I encounter here

certainly do not understand--that's for sure. Although there are

those few, thank goodness.

If Aidan responds to his name, I would try your own at home testing by

just calling him when you know he can't see you. Also, when he is

sleeping, does he jolt at noises that are all of a sudden? If so, he

probably can hear some things--I would think. Does he make noises at

all? I couldn't tell in the video (loved it!)

Sheila will be in Galway I believe somewhere around the 14/15th of

June. Hopefully you'll be able to connect. She already has a gift

for Aidan from the good ol' USA.

>

> Hi ,

> Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

>

> Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

> they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

> understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

> proposed so far..

>

> Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

> done, you have to do them yourself??

>

> So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

> they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

> is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

>

> As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

> million dollar question..

> I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

> video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

> tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

>

> Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

>

> Pat

>

> Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

> schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

> off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

>

[Guest guest]

Pat, So you are ahead of the game! You already have the video--great!

I know that signs are different here in the U.S. between ASL and

traditional sign language. I don't think it matters as long as you

and Aidan have a way of communicating words. Carmen has her own signs

for things that aren't in any dictionary--but I know what she is

saying to me.

Pat, there are no words to describe the frustration and worry we have

over our kids. I sometimes think the only folks that really

understand are here on this list. The docs that I encounter here

certainly do not understand--that's for sure. Although there are

those few, thank goodness.

If Aidan responds to his name, I would try your own at home testing by

just calling him when you know he can't see you. Also, when he is

sleeping, does he jolt at noises that are all of a sudden? If so, he

probably can hear some things--I would think. Does he make noises at

all? I couldn't tell in the video (loved it!)

Sheila will be in Galway I believe somewhere around the 14/15th of

June. Hopefully you'll be able to connect. She already has a gift

for Aidan from the good ol' USA.

>

> Hi ,

> Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

>

> Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

> they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

> understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

> proposed so far..

>

> Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

> done, you have to do them yourself??

>

> So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

> they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

> is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

>

> As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

> million dollar question..

> I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

> video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

> tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

>

> Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

>

> Pat

>

> Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

> schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

> off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

>

[Guest guest]

Pat, So you are ahead of the game! You already have the video--great!

I know that signs are different here in the U.S. between ASL and

traditional sign language. I don't think it matters as long as you

and Aidan have a way of communicating words. Carmen has her own signs

for things that aren't in any dictionary--but I know what she is

saying to me.

Pat, there are no words to describe the frustration and worry we have

over our kids. I sometimes think the only folks that really

understand are here on this list. The docs that I encounter here

certainly do not understand--that's for sure. Although there are

those few, thank goodness.

If Aidan responds to his name, I would try your own at home testing by

just calling him when you know he can't see you. Also, when he is

sleeping, does he jolt at noises that are all of a sudden? If so, he

probably can hear some things--I would think. Does he make noises at

all? I couldn't tell in the video (loved it!)

Sheila will be in Galway I believe somewhere around the 14/15th of

June. Hopefully you'll be able to connect. She already has a gift

for Aidan from the good ol' USA.

>

> Hi ,

> Lovely to hear from you, as ever..

>

> Yes, I do understand that they cannot go for any hearing aid until

> they have accurate results from a proper audio test.. what I cannot

> understand is why no other alternatives (as sign language) have been

> proposed so far..

>

> Oh, well.. Didn't I learn loooooong time ago that if you want things

> done, you have to do them yourself??

>

> So I bought a sign DVD for small children.. although I wonder if

> they basic stuff is all the same in every country, 'cause this DVD

> is from the UK.. Anyway, it's a way of starting..

>

> As for what's my impression about Aidan's hearing, that's the

> million dollar question..

> I would say that he turns when I call him (you saw him in that

> video), but is it because he hears me or b/c he sees me?? Time will

> tell.. sooner rather than later, please!!

>

> Big kiss for all of ye from the Emerald Island!

>

> Pat

>

> Ps. Had to change trip date for June now.. Aidan's daddy's job

> schedules.. Hopefully Sheila could make it to Galway before we're

> off!! I'm sooo looking forward to seeing her!!!!

>

[Guest guest]

Pat-

Perhaps this is something you can make a difference about in Ireland. It

does seem a bit backward for a modern country to be doing such a poor job of

managing hearing loss in infants. I wouldn't imagine you have the time or

energy right now, but tuck that energy and frustration away til you do have

the opportunity to get the word out and make some changes.

You don't need help to start sign. Of course, support would be best, but

since it's not there, just jump on it on your own. I'm not sure what kind

of sign you would use so I don't know if there are on-line sign

dictionaries, videos, etc. for you. Isn't there an Irish School for the

Deaf or something? If you push it, won't they give you the resources you

need to get started? Gosh, what's the harm in moving forward regardless of

his hearing? Actually, we started signing in infancy even when she appeared

to hear ok simply because of all of the unknowns with CHARGE- even if she

could hear, who knew how well she could and if she'd ever talk.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

[Guest guest]

Pat-

Perhaps this is something you can make a difference about in Ireland. It

does seem a bit backward for a modern country to be doing such a poor job of

managing hearing loss in infants. I wouldn't imagine you have the time or

energy right now, but tuck that energy and frustration away til you do have

the opportunity to get the word out and make some changes.

You don't need help to start sign. Of course, support would be best, but

since it's not there, just jump on it on your own. I'm not sure what kind

of sign you would use so I don't know if there are on-line sign

dictionaries, videos, etc. for you. Isn't there an Irish School for the

Deaf or something? If you push it, won't they give you the resources you

need to get started? Gosh, what's the harm in moving forward regardless of

his hearing? Actually, we started signing in infancy even when she appeared

to hear ok simply because of all of the unknowns with CHARGE- even if she

could hear, who knew how well she could and if she'd ever talk.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

[Guest guest]

Pat-

Perhaps this is something you can make a difference about in Ireland. It

does seem a bit backward for a modern country to be doing such a poor job of

managing hearing loss in infants. I wouldn't imagine you have the time or

energy right now, but tuck that energy and frustration away til you do have

the opportunity to get the word out and make some changes.

You don't need help to start sign. Of course, support would be best, but

since it's not there, just jump on it on your own. I'm not sure what kind

of sign you would use so I don't know if there are on-line sign

dictionaries, videos, etc. for you. Isn't there an Irish School for the

Deaf or something? If you push it, won't they give you the resources you

need to get started? Gosh, what's the harm in moving forward regardless of

his hearing? Actually, we started signing in infancy even when she appeared

to hear ok simply because of all of the unknowns with CHARGE- even if she

could hear, who knew how well she could and if she'd ever talk.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

[Guest guest]

Thanks Flo..

It's exactly what I think to.. Why waiting if we can do something

NOW?

And about that " wait and see " policy before CI instead of signing in

case this would affect the child's speech development.. Well, my

humble opinion is: Don't we use signs with normal children, even as

grown-ups, to support our speech??

Don't we wave goodbye, shake our heads in disagreement, nod our

heads in agreement.. etc etc??

Let alone if you're italian!! They speak more with their hands than

with their mouth!! LOL And the Spaniard we're not far behind,

either!

So, I'm in the ball.. I want something to be done NOW, not after the

assessment, whenever it might be..

And I have already a DVd at home and an appointment for the NAD on

Thurs.

Pat-

>

> Pat,

> I would go with everyone else and say just get started on the

signing

> irrespective of confirmation of Aidan's level of hearing loss. If

you are

> also speaking to him, the sign is likely to support his language

development

> if he has hearing. If his hearing loss is greater, then at least

you will

> have a means of communicating with him and he you.

>

> A little something else to give you a headache, it is quite

likelly while he

> is going through the assessment for a CI that you will be told not

to use

> sign with him as this is likely to discourage speech. We were

told that we

> should consider changing 's schooling to a verbal

environment rather

> than her current signing one. This while also being told that she

may never

> speak! Hmm, does not make sense to me but there you go. We have

met lots

> of CI implanted children who do both and lots who only speak.

Totally

> parental choice and I am totally biased, but as Aidan's assessment

is still

> in progress and this usually takes around 6 months and then there

is a

> waiting list for surgery, why not start formal communication with

your

> child.

>

> Yes, Irish sign language is different from British Sign Language

(I believe)

> but as said, the important thing is that you have some

form of

> communication. Have you tried the Forest Bookshop? I am sure I

have seen

> ISL material in their catalogue. Let me know if you need further

details.

>

> Flo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I couldn't agree more, Debbie

Pat-

>

> I totally agree with this discussion. We signed from birth with

our son

> until he had intelligible verbal speech at age 5. I didn't think

he would

> sign because he has malformed hands, but he certainly did. He had

a

> vocabulary of over 60 words by the time he was 12 months, then

started

> combining into phrases and it was great because he wasn't

frustrated. Even

> though he hears (aided) and has good speech we still sign (he's

almost 9)

> because it clarifies and helps with reading and spelling and

concepts. He

> started off in a moderate range of hearing loss aided on one side

and

> profound on the other, and is now profound on both sides, but gets

great

> benefit from the BAHA.

>

> The worst thing you could do is NOT sign. It certainly can't hurt

to sign,

> the worst that can happen is you teach your child a second

language. My son

> also goes to a school for the deaf/HH. He needs total

communication and

> thrives on it, again, even though he " hears " well. From what I've

seen most

> CHARGE kids benefit greatly from learning sign language. You

don't want to

> be without communication, and sign language will give you earlier

> communication, much quicker and will be much less frustrating

while they are

> learning to speak. Signing certainly won't STOP them from

speaking orally,

> it encourages speech.

>

> Learning sign can seem overwhelming, especially when there is lots

else to

> do, but start with things in your child's environment like toys,

people

> etc., and pick up a few new words at a time and use them

consistently. I

> never listened to the doctor's and audiologist who discouraged

signing as I

> felt if I had communication that's all that counted. Now all

those people

> agree that it was the best thing I could have done.

>

> Debbie Matasker

>

>

> Re: Re: Deaf/Hard of Hearing - venting...

>

> Pat,

> I would go with everyone else and say just get started on the

signing

> irrespective of confirmation of Aidan's level of hearing loss. If

you are

> also speaking to him, the sign is likely to support his language

development

> if he has hearing. If his hearing loss is greater, then at least

you will

> have a means of communicating with him and he you.

>

> A little something else to give you a headache, it is quite

likelly while he

> is going through the assessment for a CI that you will be told not

to use

> sign with him as this is likely to discourage speech. We were

told that we

> should consider changing 's schooling to a verbal

environment rather

> than her current signing one. This while also being told that she

may never

> speak! Hmm, does not make sense to me but there you go. We have

met lots

> of CI implanted children who do both and lots who only speak.

Totally

> parental choice and I am totally biased, but as Aidan's assessment

is still

> in progress and this usually takes around 6 months and then there

is a

> waiting list for surgery, why not start formal communication with

your

> child.

>

> Yes, Irish sign language is different from British Sign Language

(I believe)

> but as said, the important thing is that you have some

form of

> communication. Have you tried the Forest Bookshop? I am sure I

have seen

> ISL material in their catalogue. Let me know if you need further

details.

>

> Flo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pat-

You are so right! Go get'em, girl! Young children learn communication by

being immersed in it from birth. We don't start talking to our baby when

they are 1 and we think they might start talking. With a child who is at

risk for hearing impairment, we have to augment that verbal immersion with

sign immersion so that the child is truly getting bombarded just as a

hearing child would. How can Aidan ever begin to give language back if he's

not taking it in? If you're not sure of his hearing, then you can't be sure

of the quality of the verbal input he's getting. Why would it hurt to add

sign input to that?

The challenge is for you to learn it without any support. Even with the

support of our therapists, no one else in the family or community was

involved in it with me. Plus Aubrie could hear " well enough " so I had to

prompt her to look at my signs as I spoke. It seemed silly to sign when she

apparently didn't see the need to look cuz she was hearing what I was

saying. But obviously, she wasn't hearing it properly cuz she now has

hearing aids. Her first words were spoken, but signs followed right after.

At age 2 or so, she had 50 or so signs and only 10 spoken words. By age 4,

she was totally verbal with minimal sign. Now we are learning sign again so

she can benefit from an ASL interpreter in upper grade lecture classes. And

sign helps me now across a loud room, etc.

May have told you all this before, but it came bubbling up to the surface

again for me... so there you have it.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

Re: Deaf/Hard of Hearing - venting...

Thanks Flo..

It's exactly what I think to.. Why waiting if we can do something

NOW?

And about that " wait and see " policy before CI instead of signing in

case this would affect the child's speech development.. Well, my

humble opinion is: Don't we use signs with normal children, even as

grown-ups, to support our speech??

Don't we wave goodbye, shake our heads in disagreement, nod our

heads in agreement.. etc etc??

Let alone if you're italian!! They speak more with their hands than

with their mouth!! LOL And the Spaniard we're not far behind,

either!

So, I'm in the ball.. I want something to be done NOW, not after the

assessment, whenever it might be..

And I have already a DVd at home and an appointment for the NAD on

Thurs.

Pat-

>

> Pat,

> I would go with everyone else and say just get started on the

signing

> irrespective of confirmation of Aidan's level of hearing loss. If

you are

> also speaking to him, the sign is likely to support his language

development

> if he has hearing. If his hearing loss is greater, then at least

you will

> have a means of communicating with him and he you.

>

> A little something else to give you a headache, it is quite

likelly while he

> is going through the assessment for a CI that you will be told not

to use

> sign with him as this is likely to discourage speech. We were

told that we

> should consider changing 's schooling to a verbal

environment rather

> than her current signing one. This while also being told that she

may never

> speak! Hmm, does not make sense to me but there you go. We have

met lots

> of CI implanted children who do both and lots who only speak.

Totally

> parental choice and I am totally biased, but as Aidan's assessment

is still

> in progress and this usually takes around 6 months and then there

is a

> waiting list for surgery, why not start formal communication with

your

> child.

>

> Yes, Irish sign language is different from British Sign Language

(I believe)

> but as said, the important thing is that you have some

form of

> communication. Have you tried the Forest Bookshop? I am sure I

have seen

> ISL material in their catalogue. Let me know if you need further

details.

>

> Flo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pat-

You are so right! Go get'em, girl! Young children learn communication by

being immersed in it from birth. We don't start talking to our baby when

they are 1 and we think they might start talking. With a child who is at

risk for hearing impairment, we have to augment that verbal immersion with

sign immersion so that the child is truly getting bombarded just as a

hearing child would. How can Aidan ever begin to give language back if he's

not taking it in? If you're not sure of his hearing, then you can't be sure

of the quality of the verbal input he's getting. Why would it hurt to add

sign input to that?

The challenge is for you to learn it without any support. Even with the

support of our therapists, no one else in the family or community was

involved in it with me. Plus Aubrie could hear " well enough " so I had to

prompt her to look at my signs as I spoke. It seemed silly to sign when she

apparently didn't see the need to look cuz she was hearing what I was

saying. But obviously, she wasn't hearing it properly cuz she now has

hearing aids. Her first words were spoken, but signs followed right after.

At age 2 or so, she had 50 or so signs and only 10 spoken words. By age 4,

she was totally verbal with minimal sign. Now we are learning sign again so

she can benefit from an ASL interpreter in upper grade lecture classes. And

sign helps me now across a loud room, etc.

May have told you all this before, but it came bubbling up to the surface

again for me... so there you have it.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

Re: Deaf/Hard of Hearing - venting...

Thanks Flo..

It's exactly what I think to.. Why waiting if we can do something

NOW?

And about that " wait and see " policy before CI instead of signing in

case this would affect the child's speech development.. Well, my

humble opinion is: Don't we use signs with normal children, even as

grown-ups, to support our speech??

Don't we wave goodbye, shake our heads in disagreement, nod our

heads in agreement.. etc etc??

Let alone if you're italian!! They speak more with their hands than

with their mouth!! LOL And the Spaniard we're not far behind,

either!

So, I'm in the ball.. I want something to be done NOW, not after the

assessment, whenever it might be..

And I have already a DVd at home and an appointment for the NAD on

Thurs.

Pat-

>

> Pat,

> I would go with everyone else and say just get started on the

signing

> irrespective of confirmation of Aidan's level of hearing loss. If

you are

> also speaking to him, the sign is likely to support his language

development

> if he has hearing. If his hearing loss is greater, then at least

you will

> have a means of communicating with him and he you.

>

> A little something else to give you a headache, it is quite

likelly while he

> is going through the assessment for a CI that you will be told not

to use

> sign with him as this is likely to discourage speech. We were

told that we

> should consider changing 's schooling to a verbal

environment rather

> than her current signing one. This while also being told that she

may never

> speak! Hmm, does not make sense to me but there you go. We have

met lots

> of CI implanted children who do both and lots who only speak.

Totally

> parental choice and I am totally biased, but as Aidan's assessment

is still

> in progress and this usually takes around 6 months and then there

is a

> waiting list for surgery, why not start formal communication with

your

> child.

>

> Yes, Irish sign language is different from British Sign Language

(I believe)

> but as said, the important thing is that you have some

form of

> communication. Have you tried the Forest Bookshop? I am sure I

have seen

> ISL material in their catalogue. Let me know if you need further

details.

>

> Flo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pat-

You are so right! Go get'em, girl! Young children learn communication by

being immersed in it from birth. We don't start talking to our baby when

they are 1 and we think they might start talking. With a child who is at

risk for hearing impairment, we have to augment that verbal immersion with

sign immersion so that the child is truly getting bombarded just as a

hearing child would. How can Aidan ever begin to give language back if he's

not taking it in? If you're not sure of his hearing, then you can't be sure

of the quality of the verbal input he's getting. Why would it hurt to add

sign input to that?

The challenge is for you to learn it without any support. Even with the

support of our therapists, no one else in the family or community was

involved in it with me. Plus Aubrie could hear " well enough " so I had to

prompt her to look at my signs as I spoke. It seemed silly to sign when she

apparently didn't see the need to look cuz she was hearing what I was

saying. But obviously, she wasn't hearing it properly cuz she now has

hearing aids. Her first words were spoken, but signs followed right after.

At age 2 or so, she had 50 or so signs and only 10 spoken words. By age 4,

she was totally verbal with minimal sign. Now we are learning sign again so

she can benefit from an ASL interpreter in upper grade lecture classes. And

sign helps me now across a loud room, etc.

May have told you all this before, but it came bubbling up to the surface

again for me... so there you have it.

Michele W

mom to Aubrie 8 yrs CHARGE, 14 yrs and wife to DJ

Re: Deaf/Hard of Hearing - venting...

Thanks Flo..

It's exactly what I think to.. Why waiting if we can do something

NOW?

And about that " wait and see " policy before CI instead of signing in

case this would affect the child's speech development.. Well, my

humble opinion is: Don't we use signs with normal children, even as

grown-ups, to support our speech??

Don't we wave goodbye, shake our heads in disagreement, nod our

heads in agreement.. etc etc??

Let alone if you're italian!! They speak more with their hands than

with their mouth!! LOL And the Spaniard we're not far behind,

either!

So, I'm in the ball.. I want something to be done NOW, not after the

assessment, whenever it might be..

And I have already a DVd at home and an appointment for the NAD on

Thurs.

Pat-

>

> Pat,

> I would go with everyone else and say just get started on the

signing

> irrespective of confirmation of Aidan's level of hearing loss. If

you are

> also speaking to him, the sign is likely to support his language

development

> if he has hearing. If his hearing loss is greater, then at least

you will

> have a means of communicating with him and he you.

>

> A little something else to give you a headache, it is quite

likelly while he

> is going through the assessment for a CI that you will be told not

to use

> sign with him as this is likely to discourage speech. We were

told that we

> should consider changing 's schooling to a verbal

environment rather

> than her current signing one. This while also being told that she

may never

> speak! Hmm, does not make sense to me but there you go. We have

met lots

> of CI implanted children who do both and lots who only speak.

Totally

> parental choice and I am totally biased, but as Aidan's assessment

is still

> in progress and this usually takes around 6 months and then there

is a

> waiting list for surgery, why not start formal communication with

your

> child.

>

> Yes, Irish sign language is different from British Sign Language

(I believe)

> but as said, the important thing is that you have some

form of

> communication. Have you tried the Forest Bookshop? I am sure I

have seen

> ISL material in their catalogue. Let me know if you need further

details.

>

> Flo

>

>

>