Jack and his "New" ear

Update: Jack is now loving his "new" ear. He wears it alone and is understanding with it. He still likes his "old" ear best and really prefers to wear both, but he is able to tolerate his new ear alone and is pretty proud of himself. It's about time! Jack has not been too keen on working with his new ear alone until just this month and now we know that he has caught up with out strictly working with his new ear alone. Which is good news for all of you parents with headstrong kids who are unable to get there kids to tolerate working on the new ear!!! Now that he will tolerate his new ear we have been able to test how well he understands and can repeat what he is hearing.....and he really is close to being where his old ear is. He questions somethings, but very little, and he is very quick to repeat and respond.

I have noticed such a difference with him in noise. My husband races cars and we were at the racetrack last weekend and Jack was hearing as well and my hearing daughter. I and everyone around us were so impressed. We actually had a similar situation at Great American this summer. With all of the noise of the rides and screams from the people it did not seem to effect Jack's hearing. He was hearing so well even at a distance....the miracle of two ears! I am so thankful that we have been able to give my son the gift of hearing and now that he can hear with both ears it is icing on the cake. He is doing so well and I am so proud of him.

He is also doing well at school and his teacher said that she has noticed big changes in Jack since spring. He is more attentive and is working on a lot more advanced concepts!

I would recommend bilateral implants to any parent who is thinking of them for there child. It has made listening so much easier on Jack and on Mommy.....I don't have to repeat and he can hear greater distance and in noise! He seems to process sound faster also!

Start of the School Year!

Where did the summer go......too fast! Anyway Jack has started his second year in pre-school. He is attending a mainstream montessori in our community. Jack is now attending 5 days a week for half day sessions. Last year he attending only 4 days a week. We are still in AVT and are attending twice a week for a hour session.

I was so nervous for Jack to start school this year because when we would talk about school he would just say "no" and get mad at me. I thought he would have a major meltdown, but actually he did weep a little but his teacher said he calmed down quickly and went right to work. I think now that he is bi-lateral I'm a little less concerned about his hearing this year. He is a really good listener (when he wants to listen..ha ha) and his understanding is increasing daily. He still has a way to go with him using his words, but knowing he is understanding concepts and hearing them I know they are getting in there he will talk more when he is ready!

Jack's teacher said she is shocked how much Jack has improved in the last 3 months and that he is verbalizing with her more and repeating. Jack is a very smart kid and I know he will do well. So on to another successful year! I will update on Jack and school throughout the year.

His teacher took some pictures of Jack's first day and attached that picture. I knew Jack's hair needed to be trimmed, but seeing these pictures made me get him in for a haircut that night....so excuse the hair!

P.S. Jack is also tolerating his "new" ear alone. We see his audiologist in two weeks and I will let you all know how that goes.