Yesterday Audra finally had a hearing test. She was originally scheduled to have one in May but I needed to reschedule because she was in the hospital then. Guess I wasn't too quick at rescheduling it! But I had no real reason to worry. It definitely seems like she hears us because she follows directions...put your shoes on, go to the table, time to go potty, etc.
But there is her lingering speech delay...so we needed to check to be certain.
I was surprised to learn the she has "significant hearing loss" in both ears. So, the next step is for Audra to see ENT so they can determine the reason for her hearing loss. Without much of a medical history this could be challenging. My gut is thinking that she could have had chronic, under-treated ear infections in China that led to some permanent damage. Or, hopefully, she just has chronic fluid in her middle ears that can be fixed with some ear tubes.
What is amazing is the way she has compensated and learned to adjust and live with what she does hear. But I am hopeful that we can help her hear better and that will make things easier for her. Sweet little girl probably has no idea that things should sound differently. I have high hopes that her speech will improve by leaps and bounds once she can actually hear well!
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