HEARING AIDS
Abby is wearing her hearings aids all the time now, which is about 10 hours a day. We have been really aggressive with keeping her hearing aids on, and we can definitely tell a difference. She's happier, she talks more, she's more aware of the world around her, and it even seems like she has a better relationship with us now that we're all living in the same hearing world. Carter has not worn his hearing aids in about a month. His hearing is much better than Abby's and we felt like it would be easier to tackle Abby's hearing aids first and then deal with Carter later. Plus, his mold are getting too small, so they don't stay in very well. I know. Lame excuses, but he's still young so we have time with him. Abby doesn't.
TESTING
We hope to get Abby and Carter's genetic test results back by this week or next. We've gotten back results for 4 of the 5 tests they do, all of which were negative, but its the fifth test, one for Pendred Syndrome, that we think may be what Abby has. Needless to say, we're anxious to get the results.
THERAPY
A few weekends ago Brian and I went to an Auditory Verbal Conference and it completely changed the way we are going to treat Abby and Carter's hearing loss. After seeing the results that children get out of AV therapy, we feel it is definitely the only way to go. BUT now we realize the help that they've been getting through ECI isn't enough. So we did some research, talked to a few people and decided to start driving to Coppell on Monday mornings to take Abby and Carter to The Hearing School of the Southwest, where they will work with a certified auditory verbal therapist. I toured the school and I love it, and wished we lived closer so that Abby could go to the day program there. But since it's a 40 minute drive, a one hour therapy session once a week will have to do until she starts school next year.
SCHOOL
In January, Abby will go to school six hours a day, five days a week at Pearson Elementary in Plano. They have an AV therapy program there and the other day I went and toured the school and talked to some of the teachers. I feel good about her going there, and its only a 20 minute drive. However, I am pretty sad about my THREE YEAR OLD going to real school. I'm gonna miss her, but its what's best.
Monday, October 13, 2008
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8 comments:
Thanks for the update. That's exciting about Abby! I'm glad you have found what seems to be the right combination of technology and therapy to help her so much. Let us know when you find out about the Pendred's.
Thanks for the update Mandie! It will be sad to send her off for so long during the day, but she'll gain SO much! Just look at the progress that Tommy has made with just 2.5 hours a day! Imagine what 6 will do for Abby! Exciting!
wow. tough decisions you guys have had to make lately. aren't you glad that we live in a time where there is to much medical and technological intervention? a blessing.
I can't imagine all that you have had to wade through in order to decide and find the best thing for Abby and Carter. They are lucky to have YOU for their Mom and Dad:)
Wow, Pendred Syndrome sounds really interesting! Is that the one that you said if Carter or Abby has it the rest of us should get tested to make sure we don't carry the gene? I'm excited Abby gets to start school. I think she'll probably love it and make lots of little friends because kids are always attracted to Abby and she's so fun. And Carter too! Lots of good things will happen I'm pretty sure, good luck! I can't wait to see how Abby progresses!
And seriously, if we all need to start learning sign language just give us the green light!
Mandie: check out my post today. there is a really good quote about adversity that you might find comforting.
It is nice that there is a school pretty close to home that Abby can go to.
I think Abby will love school too! It will be a great chance to make new friends! I thought it was interesting the way hearing levels seem to ebb and flow. Does it ever stabalize?
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