Update on

[Guest guest]

First I want to thank all of you that replied to my email before '

hearing test. You all gave me so much peace.

Here's what we found out at the hearing test:

' left ear (which is completely closed) tested at a 40dB loss with

the bone conduction! Up to that point we weren't sure if he would ever be

able to hear out of that ear! The Dr. said that it's quite possible once

this ear is reconstructed he'll be able to hear out of this ear.

' right ear (severely stenotic) tested at a 45dB loss with the air

test and 25dB with the bone conduction! The Dr. took a great deal of time

explaining what this means to us and what our options were. We all decided

that the BCHA would be the best choice (The Dr. said he's already having

nightmares about cleaning this ear out, the canal is so narrow). He told us

that in a year we can re-evaluate and see if a " normal " hearing aid will

work, but he believes this is our best option at this time. We will be

getting this on June 17th. In my previous email I mentioned how I was

dreading this, appearance-wise. As soon as the Dr. gave us such good news

about his hearing, all thoughts about " appearance " flew out of my head. I

can now honestly say that I am just so excited to be able to help my little

boy, and I can't wait to see his reactions when he's hearing more. He's

already laughing and cooing up a storm!

Since then, I've also been in touch with our county's Early Intervention

program. We will be starting in their summer program in a few

weeks, just to get him some extra stimulation. I'm not sure about this, but

the speech therapist thought it would be a good idea. Everything I've read

seems to slant towards waiting until speech is much more of an issue (9

mos. - 1 year) but I'm sure it won't hurt. We've also been contacted by an

audiologist that does monthly home visits. This is what I'm most excited

about. She'll be able to answer any questions, help us with the aid if we

are having problems (' Dr. is 2 hours away), help us with different

activities/stimulation and also help with sign language. She was asking me

on the phone some questions and was impressed with my knowledge (about

Atresia/Microtia). I, of course, told her it was thanks to all of you!

When she comes tomorrow I'm going to give her the Yahoo address as she

mentioned she had several families with this.

So, that's my update, sorry it got so long, but I am just so excited about

all the possibilities out there for my little (big) guy! Hope you don't

mind, but I'm attaching a picture so you can see what I mean about my " big "

guy!

Thanks everyone, so much, for taking the time to help a " newbie " to the

group. It is such a scary time, and you all are so understanding.

Christie and (4 months)