More Genetic Testing

The past week has been a whirlwind, as I am trying to understand Drew’s genetic test results, and determine where to go from here. I have learned a lot about both his connexin 26 and mitochondrial abnormalities. As I have discussed before, the mitochondrial abnormality is the most worrisome, as it can affect others in [...]

And to All A Good Night

Christmas brings out the sentimental side in me. It is a time remember Christmas’ past – and boy are there some great ones! And for me today it was a time to think about Christmas future. A day when Drew will be able to hear and will be running around laughing and playing with toys [...]

Biology 101

I wish I would have paid more attention in my 10th grade biology class, or that I would not have avoided taking biology in college like I did. The genetic studies would really come in handy now, as I struggle to understand Drew’s genetic results for his hearing loss.
I understand the connexin abnormality. I carry [...]

ER: Columbus Version

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I told myself that I was not going to be one of those neurotic parents that flips out about the smallest things, spending time in doctors offices, asking silly questions about nothing. And I did just that. She is rarely sick, usually happy, unless it’s nap time, [...]

Trying to Understand

It has been a difficult day. While I am relieved in some ways to know the reason for Drew’s hearing loss, it has been emotionally draining trying to learn about genetic hearing loss and who in my family might be at risk.
Mostly I am concerned about the mitochondria abnormality found in Drew. I have been [...]

Connexin 26

I received a call today from Dr. Choo (see previous post) with the results of Drew’s genetic testing. While the results are surprising, I now have an answer to the “Why did this happen?” question.
Drew’s genetic test came back with abnormalities in his connexin 26 gene. This is the most common gene for hearing loss. [...]

Round 1 of Testing Complete

Drew and I traveled to Cincinnati on Wednesday, as you may know from a previous post, for his first round of testing to determine if he is a candidate for a cochlear implant. I am happy to report that all of testing went very well.
This round was primarily focused on assessing Drew’s cognitive ability. The [...]

Jingle Bells

My husband and I took Drew and his big sister to visit Santa Claus this week. There are daily reminders that Drew can not hear, and a trip to see Santa Claus would prove no different.
The week-day line to visit Santa was short, which was a blessing, since Drew had just pooped and his [...]

Deaf and Proud to Use Sign Language – Link

This ABC News article discusses the debate between living life as deaf or with diminished hearing, or having technological assistance through the use of hearing aids or a cochelar implant.
One of the first things my wife and I noticed when learning about Drew’s options was that many of the professionals we saw “danced around” certain [...]

Entire Deaf Family Recieves Cochlear Implants – Video

This ABC News report focuses on an entire family that has recently recieved cochlear implants.
The mother and father were born deaf and were implanted in thier 40’s, which is probably a pretty rare step to take for those who have been signing thier whole life, finding much success without hearing. Their two children are [...]