Video: an 8-month old baby's cochlear implant activation

Ah the joy of observing a baby hearing for the first time. His reaction to sound is priceless!




via Gizmodo

Early cochlear implantation for children with hearing loss is best

Research has shown that delayed cochlear implantation in children can lead to a delay in speech and language development, meaning that the child is behind in terms of speech and language compared to normal hearing counterparts. Last month, Science Daily wrote an article discussing the findings of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) regarding surgery timing of cochlear implantation in children with hearing loss.

The study followed 188 children with profound hearing loss who were implanted with cochlear implants at 6 hospitals in the states. The children were aged 6 months to 5 years. Their speech and language development was followed and compared to same-aged children with normal hearing. 

The study found that although all children showed speech and language improvement following the cochlear implant, children who were implanted before 18 months of age showed more benefit and caught up within the next 3 years with the normal group. "But those who received an implant after they turned 18 months and before they were 3, reached that milestone 15 months later than children who received an implant before age 18 months" (Science Daily). 

Other relevant factors that the researchers found included the importance of parents or caregivers communicating and interacting with children from the moment they are born regardless of any hearing loss. This is highly encouraged in clinical practice. 

Read the entire article on Science Daily. 

Image Credit: Medical illustrations by NIH, Medical Arts & Photography Branch.

Turn On My Ears!: Watch Drew Hear!

I came across this blog about Drew, an adorable 2 year, 9 month old boy who had simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants in June 2007. He was born with profound hearing loss due to Connexin 26, which is a known genetic cause of hearing loss. He was implanted at just 8.5 months old, making him the youngest child with bilateral implants in Ohio! 


You can read all about Drew's process of cochlear implantation, his daily adventures and more on his blog: Turn On My Ears! 


Watch a video of Drew when he hears his first sounds with his cochlear implants! 

More videos of Drew's cochlear implant activation: Turn On My Ears!: Watch Drew Hear!

Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) talks about their 3 month old son's hearing loss

People magazine's interview with Joey McIntyre gives a touching glimpse into one family's experience with having their baby, Rhys, who was diagnosed with a permanent severe hearing loss at birth. They discuss their reaction to the news and how their now 3 month old son, who is wearing hearing aids, is able to be a part of the hearing world. When he is 12 months old, he will be evaluated for a cochlear implant.

This story is a wonderful example showing the progress a child can show with early identification of a hearing loss and subsequent early intervention. Read story on www.people.com: Joey McIntrye Opens Up About Rhys' Hearing Loss.

It is also wonderful to recognize the outpour of support from readers' comments! Enjoy!

Source: www.people.com; photo by Alison Dyer-People