We're new around here (intro)

October 4, 2002

Hi-

My name is Schreiner (30) . DH Andy (30) and I are the proud

parents of Gabe (turns 4 on 10/24) and Sam (18 months). Both of our boys

were born in Cambodia, and joined our family through adoption. They are

incredible, bright, gorgeous boys (and I'm very, very proud ;-)

Our journey to adopt our youngest son Sam was a long one. We were first

matched with Sam in August 2001, but he did not come home until May 2002.

During the wait, Sammy became ill with malaria and suspected tuberculosis.

Although he it turns out he never had TB, he was treated for it in Cambodia

with high doses (IV) of the antiobiotic streptomycin.

Most likely because of this drug, he is now facing hearing loss. We had

been concerned because Sam's speech was just not progressing. We thought

perhaps we were just impatient (after all, English is his second language),

but we pressed ahead with early intervention because of his medical history.

One week ago, we had his hearing tested. I think I'm a fairly inteligent

person, but I am thoroughly confused by all of this!

According to the audioligist, Sam is showing middle ear and inner ear

damage. He has a moderate loss in his left ear, and a mild loss in his

right. He was unable to localize sound in the sound proof booth test.

She's referred us to an ENT because he has a " shallow tympanogram " , but I'm

still not sure what that means! She really didn't offer much more info,

and wanted to wait until Sam sees the ENT before we proceed (but she did

say that she didn't think his troubles are due to fluid or anything like

that). Do I sound confused as I am?

So we see the ENT on Wednesday, and I hope to have more information then.

Can anyone tell me what we might expect during this appt?

So glad to have found this group. I look forward to learning as much as

possible!

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