Aided

Friday was an exciting day...

 

Audra finally got hearing aids!

 

She was a real trooper.  She wasn't too happy about them at first, but just like anything that's new...she needs some time to get used to them.  She is very good with them...she leaves them in her ears and doesn't play with them or take them out.  But just in case...her hearing therapist attached both hearing aids to a strap that clips to her shirt...because I am sure one (or both) would end up thrown out a car window, on the ground of one of the many stores we visit each day, in the mulch at the playground, etc., etc.

 

They tested her hearing without the aids at first,

then with the aids.

 

Without the aids she was in the severe loss range for her left ear,

and the moderate loss range for her right ear.

 

They programmed her aids to only amplify her hearing partially at first, to allow her to get used to hearing differently {and better!}.  When they tested her hearing with the hearing aids on it showed that they brought her hearing loss up to the lower end of the moderate loss range. 

Great progress!

 

She will go back in a few weeks and they will reprogram her hearing aids again to *hopefully* bring her hearing loss up to the mild range. 

Amazing technology.

 

We haven't noticed a huge difference yet,

although her cry does sound different.

I was wondering if she would be quieter with the aids on.

I thought maybe she would finally realize how loud she can be.

But no such luck.

She is as loud as ever,

and enjoying every minute of hearing her loud self!

We are hoping to hear her mimicking new sounds,

and even new words, soon. 

Very soon hopefully.

They gave her a teddy bear with hearing aids too! 

 

Last week Audra had an appointment with the ophthalmologist.  She needed a vision exam, since she hadn't had one yet, but also, I have been noticing her left eye turning in.  I was thinking maybe it was just the angle I was looking from, or the shape of her eyes that made it appear to be crossing.  Turns out she is very farsighted, with her left eye being worse.  So that eye has become weak (or "lazy" as some call it).  First she need glasses, and time to get used to wearing them, then we will begin patching her "better" eye to strengthen her "lazy left eye". 

 

I am still trying to figure out how we are going to fit hearing aids AND glasses on her petite little ears.

 

Once Audra can hear AND see better...

it will be a whole new world for her!