A Place to Start

  Today, we took E to the pediatric audiologist. Based on testing in a sound booth and response monitoring, we have been told that tentatively, he is classified as having severe to profound hearing loss. E seemed to be responding to sounds at about 60 to 70 db. We were hopeful and excited to see that he was indeed responding to sound. We did not realize how "profound" the sound levels were. It was explained to us that "normal" hearing would show response at 10 to 20 db. 70 db equates to very loud talking or a standard vacuum cleaner. On the bright side, he is not completely absent of hearing.
 
  Our next step is to take E for another appointment at which point he will be sedated and tests will be administered that will better pinpoint his exact threshold as well as collect data specific to each ear. This test will measure the brain stem response to audio stimuli. He will meet with audiologists, ENT doctors, and speech pathologists. After testing is complete, he will very likely be fitted with hearing aids.
 
  At the urging of the audiologists, we are beginning a new chapter as a family and we will be learning ASL (American Sign Language). My husband is happy because he was able to immediately go and purchase multiple books to study. He feels secure in knowing that we can now begin collecting information and taking action. The audiologists spoke today of everything from speech therapy to cochlear implants. We do not know if his path will involve cochlear implants or if this was just an idea that they threw out there just in preparation since we do not yet know the full extent of the issue.

  We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is only upsetting and strange to us. To E, it is normal. He is as happy as ever. He thought today was fun. He got to play with many new toys and there were four people focused on him at all times. We are doing the only thing we can...redefining "normal".