bottom line and your opinion

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/27/2006 5:34:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

bswatson@... writes:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Robin,

I think you have a two-part question. First is whether or not to aid and the

second is a whether or not to fight for services.

As for aiding -- our opinion would be to aid that loss. We DID aid that

loss. Our Ian's loss was in that range when we learned of it -- but he was

older,

he was 7. It was a unilateral loss with his right ear being the " bad " one

(30-35 dbs) and we aided him as soon as we possibly could. He wore one aid for

between six and nine months, at which point we aided his " good " ear which had

deteriorated down to about a 25 db loss.

We definitely saw the difference that aiding such a " minor " loss had on our

son. He was able to follow conversations, able to follow classroom discussions

... he was able to whisper again. He could hear water running and leaves

rustling in the wind. Sounds he'd forgotten he'd known. He could hear music

again without distorting it by turning it up all the way. What may have seemed

minor to us was quite significant to him. I've kicked myself often for not

realizing he had a loss and aiding him sooner.

But several moms have told about how their kids did just fine without

aiding. Ian didn't. He was lost in school, lost in social settings, and really

responded to having his aids. He loved them and wanted to wear them even when he

was sleeping. We were so thrilled that he'd wear them that we'd go in and take

them out after he was asleep. But that didn't last long -- I was too afraid

we'd forget and he'd lose them.

As for services, I'm not sure about that. If your child is not currently

behind and you don't request services, it doesn't mean that you've missed the

boat and can never make the request in the future. So don't panic if services

aren't started now.

I don't know if you can argue for services based on the disability (504/ADA)

instead of being delayed (IDEA). We never had experience with EI programs,

so I am not sure that our family's argument for services can be used until the

child is school age. Ian's services are based on his physical disability and

his right to be able to access his education, not because of a learning

disability or academic delay. But I don't know if you can argue for services

the

same way when dealing with EI programs. On that I'd have to defer to others

who have dealt with EI programs.

But I do know that if my gut said that Ian needed something to support him,

whether it was aids or an FM or a TOD to help with language acquisition, then

I would fight for it. I'd find a way to make it work. So, what does your

mommy-gut say about your child's need for services?

<<Do you think in noisy places such as the zoo, dance class, the mall..

Using an FM would work rather than aiding her all the time?!? I guess

after this ENT appt in a month I may ask to trial some HA's, if we pay

for the molds they would fit any brand of HA's correct? I guess as

someone said I'd like to see if we notice a huge difference in what

she's missing.>>

Ian does better with his aids in all of those settings. The only place which

is impossible is gym class where everyone seems to be screaming in an

echoing din. And honestly, I don't think even the hearing kids hear well in a

gym

class. Honestly, I would aid first and then add an FM, not chose an FM in lieu

of aiding. I don't think an FM can replace the service/support that aids

provide, since it only sends the sound of the speaker's voice into the ear.

And yes, once you have molds that fit, you can trial a variety of aids and

see which of them suits her best. The only thing I can think of that might

need adjusting are the little tubes from the mold to the aid, and those are

easily changed when you try a new aid.

Perhaps all she needs right now is the aids. Maybe she'll never need

anything more. Maybe she'll need more but not until school gets more difficult,

like

in 2nd or 3rd grade. That's a hard call for any of us to make. But don't

feel that if you don't get a bunch of services now, that Breanna will never be

able to get them. You can ask for services later on when you're sure of the

need and have the support of your doctors/professionals to help prove it.

I wish you luck!

Jill

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/27/2006 5:34:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

bswatson@... writes:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Robin,

I think you have a two-part question. First is whether or not to aid and the

second is a whether or not to fight for services.

As for aiding -- our opinion would be to aid that loss. We DID aid that

loss. Our Ian's loss was in that range when we learned of it -- but he was

older,

he was 7. It was a unilateral loss with his right ear being the " bad " one

(30-35 dbs) and we aided him as soon as we possibly could. He wore one aid for

between six and nine months, at which point we aided his " good " ear which had

deteriorated down to about a 25 db loss.

We definitely saw the difference that aiding such a " minor " loss had on our

son. He was able to follow conversations, able to follow classroom discussions

... he was able to whisper again. He could hear water running and leaves

rustling in the wind. Sounds he'd forgotten he'd known. He could hear music

again without distorting it by turning it up all the way. What may have seemed

minor to us was quite significant to him. I've kicked myself often for not

realizing he had a loss and aiding him sooner.

But several moms have told about how their kids did just fine without

aiding. Ian didn't. He was lost in school, lost in social settings, and really

responded to having his aids. He loved them and wanted to wear them even when he

was sleeping. We were so thrilled that he'd wear them that we'd go in and take

them out after he was asleep. But that didn't last long -- I was too afraid

we'd forget and he'd lose them.

As for services, I'm not sure about that. If your child is not currently

behind and you don't request services, it doesn't mean that you've missed the

boat and can never make the request in the future. So don't panic if services

aren't started now.

I don't know if you can argue for services based on the disability (504/ADA)

instead of being delayed (IDEA). We never had experience with EI programs,

so I am not sure that our family's argument for services can be used until the

child is school age. Ian's services are based on his physical disability and

his right to be able to access his education, not because of a learning

disability or academic delay. But I don't know if you can argue for services

the

same way when dealing with EI programs. On that I'd have to defer to others

who have dealt with EI programs.

But I do know that if my gut said that Ian needed something to support him,

whether it was aids or an FM or a TOD to help with language acquisition, then

I would fight for it. I'd find a way to make it work. So, what does your

mommy-gut say about your child's need for services?

<<Do you think in noisy places such as the zoo, dance class, the mall..

Using an FM would work rather than aiding her all the time?!? I guess

after this ENT appt in a month I may ask to trial some HA's, if we pay

for the molds they would fit any brand of HA's correct? I guess as

someone said I'd like to see if we notice a huge difference in what

she's missing.>>

Ian does better with his aids in all of those settings. The only place which

is impossible is gym class where everyone seems to be screaming in an

echoing din. And honestly, I don't think even the hearing kids hear well in a

gym

class. Honestly, I would aid first and then add an FM, not chose an FM in lieu

of aiding. I don't think an FM can replace the service/support that aids

provide, since it only sends the sound of the speaker's voice into the ear.

And yes, once you have molds that fit, you can trial a variety of aids and

see which of them suits her best. The only thing I can think of that might

need adjusting are the little tubes from the mold to the aid, and those are

easily changed when you try a new aid.

Perhaps all she needs right now is the aids. Maybe she'll never need

anything more. Maybe she'll need more but not until school gets more difficult,

like

in 2nd or 3rd grade. That's a hard call for any of us to make. But don't

feel that if you don't get a bunch of services now, that Breanna will never be

able to get them. You can ask for services later on when you're sure of the

need and have the support of your doctors/professionals to help prove it.

I wish you luck!

Jill

[Guest guest]

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Thanks,

Robin

Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

Honestly, that is a VERY hard question to answer. I don't think I could tell

you because all though my daughter is not " educationally " delayed she does have

speech issues (although minor) that are directly related to her hearing loss.

But there are people who chose not to aid - it is what you feel is best. Hope

you get an answer!

bswatson wrote: From YOUR experience, would you aid a

child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Thanks,

Robin

Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

I'll chime in, though reluctantly. My daughter was 3.5 when we discovered

her mild loss (and we only tested her because of her newborn brother's

loss). At the time, her speech and language were off the charts; her

vocabulary was pretty amazing. Now, her loss is primarily in the lower

frequencies; her hearing rises to normal in the higher frequencies, which

probably explains why she does so well.

We chose not to aid her at the time, given her rising loss and the fact that

she was so far ahead. She still is unaided, though she has always had a

soundfield FM in her classroom, and is currently trialing an EduLink

personal FM, for use in middle school next year.

I do think it depends on the individual child, and you would want to take

into consideration whether your daughter's speech or language are at all

lagging. You can also trial hearing aids to see how they work with her, and

can return them during the trial period if you decide they aren't working

for her; however, you would have to pay for ear molds, and those can't be

returned.

Good luck, I know this is a tough decision.

Stefanie

Mom to Ben, 7, severe/profound HOH, and Isabella, 10, mild loss

on 4/27/06 5:54 PM, Sara Chaddock at saraandchadd@... wrote:

> Honestly, that is a VERY hard question to answer. I don't think I could tell

> you because all though my daughter is not " educationally " delayed she does

> have speech issues (although minor) that are directly related to her hearing

> loss. But there are people who chose not to aid - it is what you feel is

> best. Hope you get an answer!

>

> bswatson wrote: From YOUR experience, would you aid

> a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

I'll chime in, though reluctantly. My daughter was 3.5 when we discovered

her mild loss (and we only tested her because of her newborn brother's

loss). At the time, her speech and language were off the charts; her

vocabulary was pretty amazing. Now, her loss is primarily in the lower

frequencies; her hearing rises to normal in the higher frequencies, which

probably explains why she does so well.

We chose not to aid her at the time, given her rising loss and the fact that

she was so far ahead. She still is unaided, though she has always had a

soundfield FM in her classroom, and is currently trialing an EduLink

personal FM, for use in middle school next year.

I do think it depends on the individual child, and you would want to take

into consideration whether your daughter's speech or language are at all

lagging. You can also trial hearing aids to see how they work with her, and

can return them during the trial period if you decide they aren't working

for her; however, you would have to pay for ear molds, and those can't be

returned.

Good luck, I know this is a tough decision.

Stefanie

Mom to Ben, 7, severe/profound HOH, and Isabella, 10, mild loss

on 4/27/06 5:54 PM, Sara Chaddock at saraandchadd@... wrote:

> Honestly, that is a VERY hard question to answer. I don't think I could tell

> you because all though my daughter is not " educationally " delayed she does

> have speech issues (although minor) that are directly related to her hearing

> loss. But there are people who chose not to aid - it is what you feel is

> best. Hope you get an answer!

>

> bswatson wrote: From YOUR experience, would you aid

> a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

Robin,

We have not yet aided our soon-to-be Kindergarten daughter who is severe in

her left ear and moderate in her right ear. She has never been the least

bit delayed . . . we never knew she had a problem until a first and only ear

infection in her better ear kept her from hearing much of anything for a

week. Our Sydney is smart as a whip. We might aid her some day if we see

her hearing change, but it has not so far in over a year, and she does

great.

Robin T.

>

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Robin,

We have not yet aided our soon-to-be Kindergarten daughter who is severe in

her left ear and moderate in her right ear. She has never been the least

bit delayed . . . we never knew she had a problem until a first and only ear

infection in her better ear kept her from hearing much of anything for a

week. Our Sydney is smart as a whip. We might aid her some day if we see

her hearing change, but it has not so far in over a year, and she does

great.

Robin T.

>

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That is very tough! But I am going to have to say 'go

with your gut.' That doesn't help, I know, but really

and truly I think that is what you should do. If your

child is not delayed and doesn't qualify for EI then I

would have to honestly say no. You know your child

best and if she's functioning normally then just keep

an eye on her. You will know what to do and when.

Good luck!

Alison

mom to Lucy - mild-mod

--- bswatson wrote:

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with

> MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not

> " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as

> much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not

> educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

That is very tough! But I am going to have to say 'go

with your gut.' That doesn't help, I know, but really

and truly I think that is what you should do. If your

child is not delayed and doesn't qualify for EI then I

would have to honestly say no. You know your child

best and if she's functioning normally then just keep

an eye on her. You will know what to do and when.

Good luck!

Alison

mom to Lucy - mild-mod

--- bswatson wrote:

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with

> MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not

> " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as

> much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not

> educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Go with your gut is the best advice, but if I had to lean one way or the other,

I'd go with aiding. was aided at 5 for a mild - severe loss and also had

no delays. However, it was only in retrospect, after he was aided, that we

realized what he was missing. He really flourished in ways we couldn't imagine

after he received his aids.

Good luck with your decision.

Cherie

bswatson wrote:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Thanks,

Robin

Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

Go with your gut is the best advice, but if I had to lean one way or the other,

I'd go with aiding. was aided at 5 for a mild - severe loss and also had

no delays. However, it was only in retrospect, after he was aided, that we

realized what he was missing. He really flourished in ways we couldn't imagine

after he received his aids.

Good luck with your decision.

Cherie

bswatson wrote:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Thanks,

Robin

Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

I have to agree with this one as well; I would aid if possible. I can't

imagine, for example, saying, " Oh my daughter's vision is only fuzzy

from the back of the classroom, so I won't get her glasses. " I know I

can see if I have to without my glasses, but I also know how tired it

makes me. I understand as a teacher and from parents on this list that

dealing with school and life can be exhausting for a child with hearing

loss. I would want to give my child any tools to help her succeed and

make things less difficult.

I know there is expense involved, but taking a chance and trying out

hearing aids to see if there is a difference would be a good idea so you

could make a decision based upon changes you do or don't see in your

child.

In addition, just because your child did not qualify in your district

for EI preK does not mean she would not qualify somewhere else if you

were living elsewhere. Some EI programs feel crunched by budgets and

seem to find it easier to get rid of some of their clients. We had this

experience when our daughter was four months old; they wanted to close

her case since she was not delayed yet. It is kind of difficult to have

objective proof of speech and language delay at four months old, but

they said she did not have any. We fought that because we knew with her

loss that she would need some assistance. She is currently receiving

speech services twice a month, up from once a month during the first

year.

in Manassas, VA

> Go with your gut is the best advice, but if I had to lean one way or the

other, I'd go with aiding. was aided at 5 for a mild - severe loss and

also had no delays. However, it was only in retrospect, after he was aided,

that we realized what he was missing. He really flourished in ways we couldn't

imagine after he received his aids.

>

> Good luck with your decision.

>

> Cherie

>

> bswatson wrote:

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

> [

[Guest guest]

I have to agree with this one as well; I would aid if possible. I can't

imagine, for example, saying, " Oh my daughter's vision is only fuzzy

from the back of the classroom, so I won't get her glasses. " I know I

can see if I have to without my glasses, but I also know how tired it

makes me. I understand as a teacher and from parents on this list that

dealing with school and life can be exhausting for a child with hearing

loss. I would want to give my child any tools to help her succeed and

make things less difficult.

I know there is expense involved, but taking a chance and trying out

hearing aids to see if there is a difference would be a good idea so you

could make a decision based upon changes you do or don't see in your

child.

In addition, just because your child did not qualify in your district

for EI preK does not mean she would not qualify somewhere else if you

were living elsewhere. Some EI programs feel crunched by budgets and

seem to find it easier to get rid of some of their clients. We had this

experience when our daughter was four months old; they wanted to close

her case since she was not delayed yet. It is kind of difficult to have

objective proof of speech and language delay at four months old, but

they said she did not have any. We fought that because we knew with her

loss that she would need some assistance. She is currently receiving

speech services twice a month, up from once a month during the first

year.

in Manassas, VA

> Go with your gut is the best advice, but if I had to lean one way or the

other, I'd go with aiding. was aided at 5 for a mild - severe loss and

also had no delays. However, it was only in retrospect, after he was aided,

that we realized what he was missing. He really flourished in ways we couldn't

imagine after he received his aids.

>

> Good luck with your decision.

>

> Cherie

>

> bswatson wrote:

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

> [

[Guest guest]

I LOVEEEEEEEEEE that analogy I never thought of it that way before.

THANKS so much! -Robin

Re: bottom line and your opinion

I have to agree with this one as well; I would aid if possible. I can't

imagine, for example, saying, " Oh my daughter's vision is only fuzzy

from the back of the classroom, so I won't get her glasses. " I know I

can see if I have to without my glasses, but I also know how tired it

makes me. I understand as a teacher and from parents on this list that

dealing with school and life can be exhausting for a child with hearing

loss. I would want to give my child any tools to help her succeed and

make things less difficult.

I know there is expense involved, but taking a chance and trying out

hearing aids to see if there is a difference would be a good idea so you

could make a decision based upon changes you do or don't see in your

child.

In addition, just because your child did not qualify in your district

for EI preK does not mean she would not qualify somewhere else if you

were living elsewhere. Some EI programs feel crunched by budgets and

seem to find it easier to get rid of some of their clients. We had this

experience when our daughter was four months old; they wanted to close

her case since she was not delayed yet. It is kind of difficult to have

objective proof of speech and language delay at four months old, but

they said she did not have any. We fought that because we knew with her

loss that she would need some assistance. She is currently receiving

speech services twice a month, up from once a month during the first

year.

in Manassas, VA

> Go with your gut is the best advice, but if I had to lean one way or

the other, I'd go with aiding. was aided at 5 for a mild - severe

loss and also had no delays. However, it was only in retrospect, after

he was aided, that we realized what he was missing. He really

flourished in ways we couldn't imagine after he received his aids.

>

> Good luck with your decision.

>

> Cherie

>

> bswatson wrote:

> From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

> 20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

> point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as

possible,

> she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

> delayed at this point.

>

> Thanks,

> Robin

> Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

> [

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[Guest guest]

Robin-

Carol Flexer has written extensively about kids with mild hearing losses

and its educational impact. I would also look at the " frequently heard

sounds audiogram' (do a google search and you'll get a bunch of links if

you don't already have a copy). That will show you the speech sounds

she is missing or not hearing very clearly, plus some environmental

sounds.

Hadley's loss is severe, so there is no choice but to aid her (given

that our goal is spoken language). However, she typically tests in the

15-20 dB range while aided. When her hearing changes and her aided

results are in the 30-40dB range, her speech and comprehension is

markedly different. I work very hard to make sure her aid program keeps

her in the 20dB range. It is that much of a deal.

I've met lots of young kids with mild hearing losses who are aided and

receive therapy or some kind of observation. Given the technology out

there and the importance of good sound quality to our kids, I would not

hesitate to aid a mild loss.

Kerry

bottom line and your opinion

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Thanks,

Robin

Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

[Guest guest]

Robin - I read your post and have to say I feel the same way. And re:

the expense of hearing aids - any hearing aid company offers a trial

period (usually 30 days) so you can 'test drive' and see what you think.

Good luck!

Barbara

Letiecq wrote:

> I have to agree with this one as well; I would aid if possible. I can't

> imagine, for example, saying, " Oh my daughter's vision is only fuzzy

> from the back of the classroom, so I won't get her glasses. " I know I

> can see if I have to without my glasses, but I also know how tired it

> makes me. I understand as a teacher and from parents on this list that

> dealing with school and life can be exhausting for a child with hearing

> loss. I would want to give my child any tools to help her succeed and

> make things less difficult.

>

> I know there is expense involved, but taking a chance and trying out

> hearing aids to see if there is a difference would be a good idea so you

> could make a decision based upon changes you do or don't see in your

> child.

>

> In addition, just because your child did not qualify in your district

> for EI preK does not mean she would not qualify somewhere else if you

> were living elsewhere. Some EI programs feel crunched by budgets and

> seem to find it easier to get rid of some of their clients. We had this

> experience when our daughter was four months old; they wanted to close

> her case since she was not delayed yet. It is kind of difficult to have

> objective proof of speech and language delay at four months old, but

> they said she did not have any. We fought that because we knew with her

> loss that she would need some assistance. She is currently receiving

> speech services twice a month, up from once a month during the first

> year.

>

>

sc

[Guest guest]

Robin - I read your post and have to say I feel the same way. And re:

the expense of hearing aids - any hearing aid company offers a trial

period (usually 30 days) so you can 'test drive' and see what you think.

Good luck!

Barbara

Letiecq wrote:

> I have to agree with this one as well; I would aid if possible. I can't

> imagine, for example, saying, " Oh my daughter's vision is only fuzzy

> from the back of the classroom, so I won't get her glasses. " I know I

> can see if I have to without my glasses, but I also know how tired it

> makes me. I understand as a teacher and from parents on this list that

> dealing with school and life can be exhausting for a child with hearing

> loss. I would want to give my child any tools to help her succeed and

> make things less difficult.

>

> I know there is expense involved, but taking a chance and trying out

> hearing aids to see if there is a difference would be a good idea so you

> could make a decision based upon changes you do or don't see in your

> child.

>

> In addition, just because your child did not qualify in your district

> for EI preK does not mean she would not qualify somewhere else if you

> were living elsewhere. Some EI programs feel crunched by budgets and

> seem to find it easier to get rid of some of their clients. We had this

> experience when our daughter was four months old; they wanted to close

> her case since she was not delayed yet. It is kind of difficult to have

> objective proof of speech and language delay at four months old, but

> they said she did not have any. We fought that because we knew with her

> loss that she would need some assistance. She is currently receiving

> speech services twice a month, up from once a month during the first

> year.

>

>

sc

[Guest guest]

Another thing to keep in mind Robin, is that the cut off for a lot of EI

programs is 2 standard deviations below the mean in one area, or 1 standard

deviation below the mean in two areas. This is a huge delay. Like what you

would expect if your child's IQ was 70 or less. Just because she didn't qualify

for EI doesn't mean she might not need some help. Doesn't mean that she

couldn't benefit from technology or therapy, just means they can get out of

providing it. Can you do a trial of hearing aids?? One thing to think about is

that kids at three will accept hearing aids alot easier than trying to get them

to start at age 6 or 7. And I would second the idea of reading some Carol

Flexer. Here is a link to an article that tells about kids with minimal loss,

which is less than mild. This will give you an idea of what your child is

dealing with.

http://www.totalhearing.net/child_faq_management.htm

Kerry brings up a great point. There are audiologists who believe in aiding

very conservatively. For instance, they might aid a child to the levels of 20-40

dB, which is where your child is naturally. (and so this type of audiologist

probably wouldn't suggest aiding your child) Our audiologist believes in aiding

children more assertively, to 15 - 20 dB. The audies at our ENT's office are

more conservative and always act amazed at her aided results. And they always

act amazed at her language and academic success. But they somehow fail to put

the two together. And since our daughter is used to hearing well, she

advocates for herself with the audiologist. She always wants a lot of very

clear sound. In the first few months after her diagnosis (age 4) we got a

second audiological opinion. Turns out that person was much more conservative

and I didn't know the difference yet. Our audie made the suggested changes and

my daughter threw a screaming hissy fit on the floor and screamed at the

audiologist " you ruined my hearing aids " . Needless to say, we gave her more

sound and she was happy again. Our audie was laughing and crying at the same

time. (BTW, the audie's son has a mild loss in one ear and he is aided while

at school.)

We found after diagnosis (mod-severe) that my daughter's language was like swiss

cheese. She had a lot of verbal language but she had holes in both vocabulary

and usage. Not to mention social skills. All of which were directly related to

her hearing loss. This is also typical of kids with a mild loss. So you are

in the same boat we were 10 years ago, the " system " says your child is fine and

they won't provide help, but your child probably does need help and you will

have to go elsewhere to find it. And you'll probably have to pay for it. So

find an audiologist who knows kids and who is more assertive. You can find

these folks at chidlren's hospitals, auditory oral schools, auditory verbal

centers. Sometimes they are out in the community (like mine is) and you just

find them by word of mouth Or trial and error. in GA

bottom line and your opinion

>

>

>From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

>20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

>point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

>she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

>delayed at this point.

>

>Thanks,

>Robin

>Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

>

>All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is

the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright

restrictions.

>

[Guest guest]

Another thing to keep in mind Robin, is that the cut off for a lot of EI

programs is 2 standard deviations below the mean in one area, or 1 standard

deviation below the mean in two areas. This is a huge delay. Like what you

would expect if your child's IQ was 70 or less. Just because she didn't qualify

for EI doesn't mean she might not need some help. Doesn't mean that she

couldn't benefit from technology or therapy, just means they can get out of

providing it. Can you do a trial of hearing aids?? One thing to think about is

that kids at three will accept hearing aids alot easier than trying to get them

to start at age 6 or 7. And I would second the idea of reading some Carol

Flexer. Here is a link to an article that tells about kids with minimal loss,

which is less than mild. This will give you an idea of what your child is

dealing with.

http://www.totalhearing.net/child_faq_management.htm

Kerry brings up a great point. There are audiologists who believe in aiding

very conservatively. For instance, they might aid a child to the levels of 20-40

dB, which is where your child is naturally. (and so this type of audiologist

probably wouldn't suggest aiding your child) Our audiologist believes in aiding

children more assertively, to 15 - 20 dB. The audies at our ENT's office are

more conservative and always act amazed at her aided results. And they always

act amazed at her language and academic success. But they somehow fail to put

the two together. And since our daughter is used to hearing well, she

advocates for herself with the audiologist. She always wants a lot of very

clear sound. In the first few months after her diagnosis (age 4) we got a

second audiological opinion. Turns out that person was much more conservative

and I didn't know the difference yet. Our audie made the suggested changes and

my daughter threw a screaming hissy fit on the floor and screamed at the

audiologist " you ruined my hearing aids " . Needless to say, we gave her more

sound and she was happy again. Our audie was laughing and crying at the same

time. (BTW, the audie's son has a mild loss in one ear and he is aided while

at school.)

We found after diagnosis (mod-severe) that my daughter's language was like swiss

cheese. She had a lot of verbal language but she had holes in both vocabulary

and usage. Not to mention social skills. All of which were directly related to

her hearing loss. This is also typical of kids with a mild loss. So you are

in the same boat we were 10 years ago, the " system " says your child is fine and

they won't provide help, but your child probably does need help and you will

have to go elsewhere to find it. And you'll probably have to pay for it. So

find an audiologist who knows kids and who is more assertive. You can find

these folks at chidlren's hospitals, auditory oral schools, auditory verbal

centers. Sometimes they are out in the community (like mine is) and you just

find them by word of mouth Or trial and error. in GA

bottom line and your opinion

>

>

>From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

>20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

>point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

>she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

>delayed at this point.

>

>Thanks,

>Robin

>Memphis Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

>

>

>

>All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is

the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright

restrictions.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm a little behind in answering emails but wanted to share a thought.

Mild losses I'm sure can be deciving. To me it's much easier for a child to

seem like they understand when they may not. Their speech and development may

be much more on track so they don't display a " need " .

If I was in your position I would take a copy of her audiogram and plot is out

on a speech banana. If any of the speech sounds happen above her ability to

hear them, then I would aid her.

I believe that someone already gave you the link to an article by Carol Flexar

about minimal hearing loss. It's a great article and will also give you a

little more food for thought.

Debbie, mom to , 6, moderate SNHL and , 3 hearing

bswatson wrote:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were

and ask why not. G.B Shaw

---------------------------------

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo!

Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the suggestion, I sorta plotted it out (using the computer

and the audiogram copy), any thing under 250 we have no results on (only

started her at 500hz), with the zig-zag that they’ve plotted her at

she’s not getting the F, S, TH according to the speech banana. I will do

this again if we get another one done the 24th at the ENT. Depending on

the results of that I think I’m going to push for a 30 day trial of HA’s

to try and compare it and see if I notice what she WAS missing before.

Thanks,

Robin

Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

Re: bottom line and your opinion

I'm a little behind in answering emails but wanted to share a thought.

Mild losses I'm sure can be deciving. To me it's much easier for a

child to seem like they understand when they may not. Their speech and

development may be much more on track so they don't display a " need " .

If I was in your position I would take a copy of her audiogram and

plot is out on a speech banana. If any of the speech sounds happen

above her ability to hear them, then I would aid her.

I believe that someone already gave you the link to an article by

Carol Flexar about minimal hearing loss. It's a great article and will

also give you a little more food for thought.

Debbie, mom to , 6, moderate SNHL and , 3 hearing

bswatson wrote:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that

never were and ask why not. G.B Shaw

---------------------------------

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo!

Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the suggestion, I sorta plotted it out (using the computer

and the audiogram copy), any thing under 250 we have no results on (only

started her at 500hz), with the zig-zag that they’ve plotted her at

she’s not getting the F, S, TH according to the speech banana. I will do

this again if we get another one done the 24th at the ENT. Depending on

the results of that I think I’m going to push for a 30 day trial of HA’s

to try and compare it and see if I notice what she WAS missing before.

Thanks,

Robin

Mommy to Constance 6, Breanna 3, is 2

Re: bottom line and your opinion

I'm a little behind in answering emails but wanted to share a thought.

Mild losses I'm sure can be deciving. To me it's much easier for a

child to seem like they understand when they may not. Their speech and

development may be much more on track so they don't display a " need " .

If I was in your position I would take a copy of her audiogram and

plot is out on a speech banana. If any of the speech sounds happen

above her ability to hear them, then I would aid her.

I believe that someone already gave you the link to an article by

Carol Flexar about minimal hearing loss. It's a great article and will

also give you a little more food for thought.

Debbie, mom to , 6, moderate SNHL and , 3 hearing

bswatson wrote:

From YOUR experience, would you aid a child with MILD (hearing in

20-40db range) loss? Even if she's not " EDUCATIONALLY " delayed at this

point, 3 years old??? I want to be armed with as much info as possible,

she has not qualified for EI preK because she's not educationally

delayed at this point.

Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that

never were and ask why not. G.B Shaw

---------------------------------

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo!

Messenger with Voice.