After my daughter received her cochlear implant in 2001, she has continued to have ongoing speech and language delays. These delays are a direct result of my own personal decision to wait so long to have her surgery. Looking back, I would have done things differently and I wouldn’t have waited so long to give my daughter the gift of hearing. I realize that I can’t change the past but we can work to make her future better. So today we are sitting at the doctor’s office in Dallas waiting to talk to the doctor. We are planning on discussing the need of a second cochlear implant for my daughter. As of today, she only has one cochlear implant and it has served her well over the last 12 years.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes and shouldn’t replace appropriate medical advice from a doctor or audiologist regarding your child’s hearing. The information that I provided was based upon my own experience with my daughter’s hearing loss and the process that I went through.
I remember when my daughter first received her cochlear implant, the doctor who performed her surgery and the audiologist encouraged me to drop my daughter’s use of sign language. However, my gut instinct told me not to listen to them. I am glad that my daughter has the opportunity to be fluent in two languages, but sign language has come in handy for her several times throughout the years. There has been times when she has lost her device or it got destroyed. I have been very lucky and insurance has covered the lost and damaged devices; however, sometimes it takes a while to get the equipment replaced or repaired which leaves my daughter without the ability to hear.
17 comments
It’s great that you followed your gut instinct on the sign language. I’m praying for good news from the doctor.
She loves the sign language and I know I made the right decision. 🙂
I find this whole world so interesting. Many years ago when I was in college I took sign language. I have NEVER regretted it, My husband and I use it across crowded rooms. We used it with our children when they were young before they spoke they signed. Keep up the good work
Its nice being able to communicate across the room without yelling. 🙂
I have a buddy with 2 CIs and she rocks her neptunes and harmony 😀
Thank you for sharing Emma, she had her surgery and will have her second one activated soon. Check back for updates on my blog.
I’ve always found people who sign fascinating. I’m glad you didn’t listen to the doctor’s advice.
Me too. I wish I knew more signs personally.
Love how your mommy instincts came out when the docs said to drop the hand signs!
Yes, we have those great instincts for a reason and I am glad that I didn’t listen to their advice. 🙂
A little boy was studying sign language for his first grade class while waiting on his sister’s dance class. I’m so thankful deafness and sign language have overcome the stigma of years ago. I do hope your daughter’s hearing continues to improve and am thankful she’s already had so much success.
I agree Karen. There is still some controversy in the deaf world about CI’s and sign language. It is still a fairly new technology.
Christy, lots of prayers for you and your daughter~ Prayers specifically speaking to my heart to remind you what a dedicated mother you ARE! I cherish the endless dedication you put forth for your family while ALSO being so dedicated to helping others through your incredible blogs~ Thank you for sharing this story~ XO Steph~
Thank you Steph for your encouragement.
I hope everything goes well too Christy!
My daughter has bilateral cochlear implants. She has had the first one for 9 years and the second for 6 years. I’d be happy to try to answer any questions you might have. Best wishes!
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s experience. Did adding a second implant help her overcome some of the issues that she had with directional or hearing when there was background noise?