George’s cochlear implant journey: Part 1

After George’s diagnosis of hearing loss, we received hearing devices. We didn’t know what to expect. We were told, with George’s hearing loss, that a cochlear implant would be the best option for him to access speech, but we should first try hearing aids, which will also stimulate his nerves.

We went with a pair of blue earbuds that come with green ear hooks and clear molds. This was the color we chose at the time. The green ear hook was visible when he lay in his pram or car, which meant that people knew how to communicate with him.

The appointment was a blur. The audiologist was very helpful and gave us the information we required without overwhelming us. However, I felt like we were thrown into the deep end when it came to these devices.

They were much simpler and less scary than I had first imagined. Soon, we got into the routine of cleaning, testing, changing batteries, and putting them back in their tub. We quickly incorporated it into our daily routine.

George began to recognize that the hearing aids were helping him. We’ll never know what George was hearing, but he always smiled and started talking when I put in his hearing aids. We have asked ourselves, “Did that man hear it?” on rare occasions. Overall, I do not think that he was able to speak, which is what we were aiming for.

We had to go to the hospital every week or two to have new ear molds made because George was growing at such a rapid rate. The mold would start to leak sound and make the most irritating noise as it became too small. As parents, we soon got used to this.

Stick ‘n’ Stay tape (double-sided) was used to hold his hearing aids. It worked well until nine months, when he began pulling them off and eating them! You know that moment of panic when you realize your baby is chewing on their hearing aid and hearing the screeching sound the microphone makes?

Overall, we had a positive experience with hearing aids. George got used to wearing and having something in his ear, even though they didn’t allow him to speak. It was also a good way for us to get a feel of the world of hearing devices before we decided on a cochlear implant.