My son has a spiel he goes through when telling people about how his cochlear implant works. He's been doing this since he was three, and is very good at answering questions, too. Yes, I'm still hoping he'll post soon, but he's getting ahead on some classwork before his surgery next week.
In the meantime, here's a very nice, short video describing how a cochlear implant works. It doesn't matter how long we've been living with cochlear implants, I am still in awe of how the technology can bring sound to many deaf people.
Maybe I'll just compose a list of questions for my son, to get him ready to talk about his implant. What would I ask him? Hmmm...
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Rush Limbaugh
I haven't touched this blog in YEARS. Looking at the stats, though, it's still been getting anywhere from 200 - 800 hits/month. Which words searched generated the most hits on the blog? Anything with: Rush Limbaugh deaf cochlear implant.
Yes, I blogged about Rush Limbaugh getting a cochlear implant. The day before Big Kid's first cochlear implant surgery we were driving home from the hospital and stopped at a grocery store to pick up milk. When I got back into the car my husband said, "You'll never believe this, but Rush Limbaugh just announced on his show that he's going deaf." He was right, I didn't believe him, but it was true. That was in October of 2001. Big Kid was implanted the next day, and Rush Limbaugh was implanted about two months later. And I still haven't met Mr. Limbaugh.
Whether they agree with his views or not, it's still fun telling people that Rush Limbaugh is totally deaf, but still doing his radio show w/use of his cochlear implant. My boys have the same implant. COOL BEANS!
More on Rush Limbaugh's cochlear implant:
The Haney Project "Rush Limbaugh's Cochlear Implant"
The Rush Limbaugh Show: Questions on the Host's Hearing
The Rush Limbaugh Show: The Facts on Rush's Hearing
Yes, I blogged about Rush Limbaugh getting a cochlear implant. The day before Big Kid's first cochlear implant surgery we were driving home from the hospital and stopped at a grocery store to pick up milk. When I got back into the car my husband said, "You'll never believe this, but Rush Limbaugh just announced on his show that he's going deaf." He was right, I didn't believe him, but it was true. That was in October of 2001. Big Kid was implanted the next day, and Rush Limbaugh was implanted about two months later. And I still haven't met Mr. Limbaugh.
Whether they agree with his views or not, it's still fun telling people that Rush Limbaugh is totally deaf, but still doing his radio show w/use of his cochlear implant. My boys have the same implant. COOL BEANS!
More on Rush Limbaugh's cochlear implant:
The Haney Project "Rush Limbaugh's Cochlear Implant"
The Rush Limbaugh Show: Questions on the Host's Hearing
The Rush Limbaugh Show: The Facts on Rush's Hearing
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Oldest son is getting a 2nd CI
Hmmm... My oldest son is getting a second CI, and I'm finally revisiting this lovely old blog of mine. It's been about four years since my last post, and I see posts on the first page that are about seven years old. Yikes! After some lucky guessing, I figured out the passwords to this Google account and am back up and typing away. And I'm just not sure where to start.
Big Kid has had his first cochlear implant for almost 12 years. We've had absolutely no problems with his cochlear implant whatsoever, internal or external parts. Other than using them so much that some physical parts wear down a bit. We've discussed with him the option of getting a second implant for years, and he's finally now going for it. He knows he'll be able to hear better with the second "ear" (after much habilitation). It will also be nice to have another ear to hear with if the first one ever does stop working for whatever reason. We also now have the insurance to cover the surgery, while my husband is still on active duty in the Army. These are just a few of the considerations that we have discussed when thinking about a second cochlear implant.
Big Kid also wants to hear while he's in the pool, so he's been looking at and thinking hard about the Neptune processor. He would go for one Neptune processor and then hopefully hold onto a certificate for a second processor later. As an adult, I'm not too sure that's what I would lean towards, as I see some other huge advances coming with the AB processors, and I would probably choose two of the new ones, but this isn't solely my decision. My boy is now a teenager and wants to hear what the other kids are saying at the pool, go to a water park and be able to hear, so he very much likes what the Neptune has to offer.
The process is moving along quite quickly for us, and his surgery is now only nine days away. Looking back through my posts (I started with the oldest posts and read through most of them in the past couple days), I was reminded that after his first surgery it was almost a week before his balance improved enough for him to walk around again. Big Kid's balance is definitely an issue, with his inner ear malformations and whatever other issues he has. We have to be prepared that this may be a problem after this next surgery.
Big Kid also understands that once his second CI is activated, it will take a lot of work for his ear to really understand what it will be hearing. I know Big Kid is a great boy, willing to work hard when necessary, but reality is that he's also a teenager. I'm not sure what to expect.
How's he doing otherwise? He's had his first implant for almost 12 years. We are an Army family and move quite a bit. He's lived in 8 homes and is in his 11th school. Last year as a freshman in high school, he was fully mainstreamed w/o even an FM system and received all As and Bs, with mostly advanced classes. He received a B in Arabic, and I am not kidding about that. The class would use computers for part of the class. The headphones he used rested easily over his t-mic, giving him great access to the sound. Big Kid tested out of speech therapy in fourth grade. As for the FM system he's used in the past years, he chose not to use it this year at all. I don't know if it's because he was self-conscious about using it or not, but as long as he kept up with his classes, I supported his decision.
On the other end of the spectrum is my youngest son, T-Man. He is now in fourth grade, using his CI, but still prefers to communicate mostly through sign language. T-Man is deaf but also has some additional challenges. His receptive language with his CI is pretty good, but he is not good with his expressive language, and doesn't use much speech at all. His speech is still improving small bit by small bit, and we keep working on it. In my book, though, any and all communication is great.
My two boys have the same medical diagnosis for deafness, and both of their CIs are helpful to them, but they are each very unique in their own skills and abilities. Their cochlear implants are not a "cure" for their deafness, but definitely a tool that helps them to access sound. Our whole family continues to use and learn more sign language, too.
I'll post more later, especially re: the upcoming surgery, activation and habilitation. Big Kid has also said he wouldn't mind posting in the future, too. ;)
Big Kid has had his first cochlear implant for almost 12 years. We've had absolutely no problems with his cochlear implant whatsoever, internal or external parts. Other than using them so much that some physical parts wear down a bit. We've discussed with him the option of getting a second implant for years, and he's finally now going for it. He knows he'll be able to hear better with the second "ear" (after much habilitation). It will also be nice to have another ear to hear with if the first one ever does stop working for whatever reason. We also now have the insurance to cover the surgery, while my husband is still on active duty in the Army. These are just a few of the considerations that we have discussed when thinking about a second cochlear implant.
Big Kid also wants to hear while he's in the pool, so he's been looking at and thinking hard about the Neptune processor. He would go for one Neptune processor and then hopefully hold onto a certificate for a second processor later. As an adult, I'm not too sure that's what I would lean towards, as I see some other huge advances coming with the AB processors, and I would probably choose two of the new ones, but this isn't solely my decision. My boy is now a teenager and wants to hear what the other kids are saying at the pool, go to a water park and be able to hear, so he very much likes what the Neptune has to offer.
The process is moving along quite quickly for us, and his surgery is now only nine days away. Looking back through my posts (I started with the oldest posts and read through most of them in the past couple days), I was reminded that after his first surgery it was almost a week before his balance improved enough for him to walk around again. Big Kid's balance is definitely an issue, with his inner ear malformations and whatever other issues he has. We have to be prepared that this may be a problem after this next surgery.
Big Kid also understands that once his second CI is activated, it will take a lot of work for his ear to really understand what it will be hearing. I know Big Kid is a great boy, willing to work hard when necessary, but reality is that he's also a teenager. I'm not sure what to expect.
How's he doing otherwise? He's had his first implant for almost 12 years. We are an Army family and move quite a bit. He's lived in 8 homes and is in his 11th school. Last year as a freshman in high school, he was fully mainstreamed w/o even an FM system and received all As and Bs, with mostly advanced classes. He received a B in Arabic, and I am not kidding about that. The class would use computers for part of the class. The headphones he used rested easily over his t-mic, giving him great access to the sound. Big Kid tested out of speech therapy in fourth grade. As for the FM system he's used in the past years, he chose not to use it this year at all. I don't know if it's because he was self-conscious about using it or not, but as long as he kept up with his classes, I supported his decision.
On the other end of the spectrum is my youngest son, T-Man. He is now in fourth grade, using his CI, but still prefers to communicate mostly through sign language. T-Man is deaf but also has some additional challenges. His receptive language with his CI is pretty good, but he is not good with his expressive language, and doesn't use much speech at all. His speech is still improving small bit by small bit, and we keep working on it. In my book, though, any and all communication is great.
My two boys have the same medical diagnosis for deafness, and both of their CIs are helpful to them, but they are each very unique in their own skills and abilities. Their cochlear implants are not a "cure" for their deafness, but definitely a tool that helps them to access sound. Our whole family continues to use and learn more sign language, too.
I'll post more later, especially re: the upcoming surgery, activation and habilitation. Big Kid has also said he wouldn't mind posting in the future, too. ;)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Whew! Update...
It's been a long while since my last post. My husband is in the Army, was in a unit that deployed to Afghanistan. To say our last couple of years was busy would be a huge understatement. I think we moved just after my last post, and moved again a few months ago. Whew! Matthew is now 11 and in his 9TH SCHOOL (I know, can you believe it?), fully mainstreamed in 6th grade and doing real well. Joshua is now 6, and in the first grade at a school for deaf children. He has been diagnosed with additional disabilities, and while he does get use of his cochlear implant, his main form of communication is with sign language. It's amazing how each child has the exact medical diagnosis (Pendred Syndrome: Mondini Dysplasia, Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct, Hypothyroidism), but they are also so very different from one another in their skills and abilities. As I've always said, "What works for one child may not work for the next."
Unfortunately, we've seen some poor educational support in the last couple of years. It took the school district over a year and a half to get FM Systems (read: assistive technology) to use in school. Before this district, Matthew had used an FM in three other schools/districts, and of course that was written into his IEP. I won't go into detail what all happened when I was wrestling with the school district, but it really helped to find a lawyer who could help. Fortunately only had to drop his name, and the FM systems were ordered that week. While Matthew did very well w/o the FM system for OVER A YEAR, his teachers noticed a huge improvement in his comprehension and attentiveness in school once he had one (no kidding, really?). Joshua's discernment had greatly improved, too.
Joshua has the need for additional OT, PT and speech classes. The last district didn't have OT (so he tested out of it, of course), and spotty PT and speech. Fortunately, the program he is in now at a school for deaf children has ALL of those on staff. I was almost in tears, okay, I cried at his IEP meeting when I heard all of the support he would have at his school. We're still an Army Family, and I know that very well means we may move again. I try not to think about that, because I fear ever going back to a district like the one we just left.
Well, I'll post more. It feels good to be doing this again. Right now I'm headed toward a very large, fresh cup of coffee. One boy is already on the way to school, and two more need to get up. ;)
Unfortunately, we've seen some poor educational support in the last couple of years. It took the school district over a year and a half to get FM Systems (read: assistive technology) to use in school. Before this district, Matthew had used an FM in three other schools/districts, and of course that was written into his IEP. I won't go into detail what all happened when I was wrestling with the school district, but it really helped to find a lawyer who could help. Fortunately only had to drop his name, and the FM systems were ordered that week. While Matthew did very well w/o the FM system for OVER A YEAR, his teachers noticed a huge improvement in his comprehension and attentiveness in school once he had one (no kidding, really?). Joshua's discernment had greatly improved, too.
Joshua has the need for additional OT, PT and speech classes. The last district didn't have OT (so he tested out of it, of course), and spotty PT and speech. Fortunately, the program he is in now at a school for deaf children has ALL of those on staff. I was almost in tears, okay, I cried at his IEP meeting when I heard all of the support he would have at his school. We're still an Army Family, and I know that very well means we may move again. I try not to think about that, because I fear ever going back to a district like the one we just left.
Well, I'll post more. It feels good to be doing this again. Right now I'm headed toward a very large, fresh cup of coffee. One boy is already on the way to school, and two more need to get up. ;)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Seminars for Parents of Children with Cochlear Implants
I just posted about The Listening Room and Hearing Journey, but wanted to add a link to GREAT online courses for all types of folks associated with cochlear implants.
The Bionic Ear Association offers live and recorded web classes for professionals who work with cochlear implant recipients, adult CI users, as well as parents of CI children. You can find a schedule of live classes, as well as a list of recorded presentations here. I've personally been soaking up all the classes I can that are related to the Listening for Littles program.
I have three boys, two deaf with cochlear implants. I am SO THANKFUL for all of the resources I've found through the internet! There is much more information available to us since our first son was diagnosed deaf almost seven years ago. ;)
The LISTENING ROOM!
I THINK I've blogged about this before, but if so I feel the need to share again. I am finding GREAT resources for both of my CI boys at The Listening Room! My CI boys are now 4 and 8, with very different oral and auditory skills, but I find the activities from the Listening Room to be great for both of them. There will be additional resources added for Teens and Adults soon, too!
"A web resource full of (re)habilitation activities and ideas to support the development of listening and language skills in children, adolescents and adults."
The Listening Room is part of Hearing Journey.
These are a couple of sites I'm really enjoying, just had to share them with you. Enjoy! ;)
"A web resource full of (re)habilitation activities and ideas to support the development of listening and language skills in children, adolescents and adults."The Listening Room is part of Hearing Journey.
"If you or a loved one is on a journey to find the best possible hearing, you have found an online community of fellow travelers who are on the same journey. A journey filled with hope and exciting possibilities for a brighter hearing future. You'll find lively discussions, new friendships, and reliable information on the latest in cochlear implant technology here. Wherever you are in your hearing journey, we warmly welcome you. Come on in!"
These are a couple of sites I'm really enjoying, just had to share them with you. Enjoy! ;)
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Auditory Skills Practice!
I have just discovered that our library subscribes to TumbleBooks, a virtual online library of books and games for young readers! While it's $29.95/year for a family to subscribe to this service, if you Google "TumbleBooks" you will find links to many libraries that have already subscribed to the service, offering it to you through them. Here are two places to find TumbleBooks:
North Greenville Public Library (also has links to kids' eBooks, cool sites and more online games)
Contra Costa County Library (again, a bunch of OTHER cool links as well)
FUN!
When going through the Story Books, I've found them well illustrated, and the words highlighted as they are spoken. I'm sure my 6 year old "hearing" child will love these books, but I'm also hoping the highlighted spoken words will help my 8 year old son w/CI improve his auditory skills and literacy by following along with the stories. ;)
OOOOH! Just found another good resource:
Starfall, "Where children have fun learning to read!" Good phonics/auditory skills practice, too.
Enjoy!
North Greenville Public Library (also has links to kids' eBooks, cool sites and more online games)
Contra Costa County Library (again, a bunch of OTHER cool links as well)
FUN!
When going through the Story Books, I've found them well illustrated, and the words highlighted as they are spoken. I'm sure my 6 year old "hearing" child will love these books, but I'm also hoping the highlighted spoken words will help my 8 year old son w/CI improve his auditory skills and literacy by following along with the stories. ;)
OOOOH! Just found another good resource:
Starfall, "Where children have fun learning to read!" Good phonics/auditory skills practice, too.
Enjoy!
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About Me
- Chaotic Mom
- I am an Army spouse, mom of boys, volunteer and keeper of pets. Is there a balance in life? I sure hope so! ;)
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