Cochlear Implants: Young People’s Views

What do teenagers who received a cochlear implant when younger think about their parent’s decision to go ahead with the surgery?
The National Deaf Children’s Society (UK) and The Ear Foundation (UK) has produced a booklet with contains the responses of around 30 children who were between 13 and 17 years old to questions including the [...]

Special Delivery

I was surprised to find in the mail today the letter from the insurance company approving Drew’s cochlear implant surgery! I have tucked it away in a special place for safe keeping – just in case. I want to celebrate the fact that everything is scheduled, but I am so nervous that something is going [...]

Too Good to be True?

I have experienced some of the greatest challenges of my life over the last seven months. There were days after Drew was diagnosed that I did not want to get out of bed and face his deafness each morning. Luckily my family and friends were there to support me, and finally I realized that staying [...]

Bluetooth Headset or Cochlear Implant?

For the past few years Bluetooth headsets have become more and more popular. They allow people to talk through their cell phone without holding it in their hand, and without frustrating wires getting in the way. This is because the mic rests on the user’s ear and transmits wirelessly to the phone.

Some people think that [...]

Cochlear Implant Discussion Groups and Listservs

If you are asking yourself any of the following questions, visiting the link below should help you find some answers.
1) Where can I find out more information about cochlear implants and hearing loss?2) What are some good cochlear implant, deafness and hard-of-hearing discussion groups?3) Are there any cochlear implant listservs?4) What is it like to [...]

25% Budget Cut to the Regional Infant Hearing Program

We have learned that Governor Ted Strickland has proposed a budget cut to the Ohio Department of Health which will result in a 25% cut in funding for the Regional Infant Hearing Program in the state of Ohio. This RIHP is vital to families which include a child who suffers from hearing loss. It provides [...]

Youngest Child in Ohio to Receive Simultaneous Implants

It is amazing to me how many things have been in the media recently regarding deafness and cochlear implants. I don’t remember seeing so many things about the deaf community and cochlear implants before Drew was born deaf, but then again, maybe I am just noticing it now, since these story lines impact my life [...]

Communicating with Drew

It’s hard to believe that Drew is over six months old! These months have just flown by, partly because every day and week is consumed with appointments for Drew. I was encouraged this week when talking with the mother of an implanted four year old. She told me that her life is back to normal [...]

Sounds of Silence

Stop whatever it is that you’re doing for 30 seconds. Take a deep breath, exhale and be silent. Listen. What do you hear?
Music? A phone ringing? Distant people talking? Nothing?
Think twice about whether you’re really hearing “nothing”. Even in the quietest of inside rooms, there is likely a [...]