She's been notoriously bad for saying "What?" constantly when we spoke to her, but we chalked that up to her personality and simply not paying attention, or even selective hearing (all you parents know what I mean!).
And it definitely is still partly that. She is still Olivia after all. But during regular Kindergarten screenings in the fall, some red flags went up. She has problems in the screening on Nov 18 in her right ear only, and on Dec 8 in both ears. We received a notification that she needed to see an audiologist for further screening.
That appointment was today and she failed the screening test. Today's test indicated that she has normal hearing in her left ear (she heard 5 out 5 of the tests) but possible hearing loss in her right ear (she heard only 1 out of the 5 tests) and middle ear problems in both ears. The audiologist indicated that right now what she is likely experiencing is similar to having plugged ears on an airplane - something an adult would complain about, but children are highly unlikely to.
At this point we need to schedule an appointment with her regular doctor for treatment of her middle ear difficulties and wait for a referral to Audiology for a complete hearing test/full audiological evaluation which will likely take a couple of months.
In the meantime, we need to advise her teachers to speak on her "good side" to make things easier for everyone involved. And I certainly need to remember this myself too!
The audiologist suggested that at this point things could go either way and that she could not predict which way they would go. She said that we may be able to simply clear up the middle ear difficulties and things would be fine, or there may be further steps necessary to address the hearing loss.
In each of her tests the results have been progressively worse, though all screenings have taken place during winter (ie cold season) which can impact results as well.
There is some history of hearing loss in Nathan's extended family which is making me less than optimistic about future test results.
However, I am thankful that it is not a more serious problem. Hearing loss is certainly not life threatening, and would be my "loss of choice" if I was forced to choose (I, personally, would rather lose my hearing than my sight, for example).
That being said, we are still praying that her middle ear difficulties will be healed and her hearing completely restored, but that God would be glorified no matter the outcome - and humbly ask for your prayers as well. Thank you.
8 comments:
Tammy, we will definitely be praying for wonderful results when she goes for her next appointment.
I'm sorry to hear that, Tammy. I'm surprised to hear recently that some hearing loss in young children is so common. John also was flagged during Kindergarten screening, and after seeing an audiologist, it's been determined that he has a hearing deficiency in his right ear, but it was only higher-pitched sounds he had trouble with. We had him tested a second time, with the same result. At this point, he simply sits at the front of the room in school. Nothing else was recommended at this stage and we haven't pursued it beyond that, as he seems to have no trouble hearing what he WANTS to hear... We'll be praying!
Aw man! I hope it's just a winter/cold season thing. have you ever noticed that she hears better in the summer?
Praying Tammy. I'm so sorry to hear this. The last thing we want is for our children to have to face hard physical difficulties, especially one such as this! But, like you say, it is better than losing sight, or mobility! I pray that God would have His will, and hopefully it's healing!
praying for your sweet daughter! xoxo
Will definitely be saying a prayer for Olivia!
Well, that is definitely a little disheartening, but we live in a time when there are so many options for corrective procedures and devices. And not only that, we serve a God who is perfectly capable of fixing the problem WITHOUT human intervention!! I will certainly be praying for the latter, but there is comfort in the former. However it happens, I hope her hearing will be restored quickly and that she won't have to live much longer feeling like she's hearing everything under water!
((Tammy)) I hope they are able to do something to help her hear better.
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