George’s cochlear implant journey: Part 2

The audiologist told George that, due to his hearing loss, he was eligible for Cochlear Implants, and they were the best option for him to learn spoken language.

I researched online and found some negative opinions regarding cochlear implants. I thought we would do it. I was worried for George’s future after reading all these opinions. Will people who are deaf or hard of hearing accept him? Will he be angry that we gave him a bionic hearing?

William was a young man who spun me on the dance floor, having a great time! William has a cochlear implant. She told me that they had changed his life! We are still in contact and are so thankful to have met the family.

We decided to proceed with the cochlear implants because George has always preferred spoken language as a method of communication. The entire process was explained to us, and we were told that we could stop the cochlear implant at any point.

George had a hearing test when he could sit up unaided. This was around seven months of age. The hearing test confirmed his diagnosis as a baby. George sat in my lap and connected to the computer while the audiologist was playing with toys. On either side, there were boxes with teddies inside. If he turned his head to listen for the sound the computer played, one of the boxes lit up. George was able to learn quickly and completed the tests in two visits. The results confirmed that the newborn diagnosis was correct and that George was still eligible to receive a cochlear implant.

After this, things started to move quickly. We were given an appointment for an MRI scan in order to determine whether his anatomy was compatible with a cochlear implant. It was the first experience we had with George under general anesthesia. Although it was a terrible experience to watch your child being put to bed, it helped me prepare for the actual surgery day.

In January 2023, we kissed and said goodbye to our baby for six or more hours. It’s nerve-wracking to leave your most valuable gift in the care of strangers. The anesthetist told us she would call when they finished one ear and let us know the results. I eagerly awaited the phone call. When she called, I breathed a huge sigh when she said that things took longer than expected because his anatomy was difficult, but all went well.

We received a phone call saying that George was recovering and we were welcome to come and visit him. We ran through the hallways to find him. He was cuddling a nurse and wearing a large bandage. George’s recovery was relatively straightforward. We are incredibly grateful. After two nights of hospitalization, we were released after an X-ray confirmed that the implants were in good condition.

George was back to his normal self when we returned home. He was dizzy and had trouble holding his head upright without wobbling. We were cautious with him while he improved and until the swelling subsided. His scars were healed very quickly and well. George was hospitalized for three nights on IV antibiotics, steroids, and other medications as the side of his face began to droop. This was resolved after treatment.

The switch-on date was then three weeks away. I never regretted getting George implanted. He was an amazing person and was so resilient. We couldn’t have waited to see what our future held.