This question has been eating at me for the past 3 months. Do we get another implant for Logan in his left ear? The question seems obvious, since he's deaf in both ears, wouldn't you have implants in both ears? I wish the answer was that simple. There are pros and cons to both situations. The research out there on a child with one implant verses a child with two really isn't that different. It seems that the main advantage he would have would be localization, being able to distinguish where sounds are coming from. I have been losing A LOT of sleep over this (hence the 1:00 am post) and can't seem to know what is best. We have seen more progress than we ever expected in this short amount of time with just the one implant, so part of me wonders if he needs two. I asked Logan tonight if he wanted another "ear" on his other ear. His face lit up and he shook his head. If only he fully comprehended all that that would entail...or maybe he does. The ideal situation would be to see how he's progressing in 5 years and decide then, but that isn't practical. If we are going to do it, we'd like to do it before we move in June. I really want to make the right decision for him. Part of me remembers his surgery day and the horror of it all. I can't bear to see him go through that again, although I realize that is a small price to pay for the reward in the end. Jake and I have decided to make a decision by Thursday night and take that decision to the Lord.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Another surgery???
This question has been eating at me for the past 3 months. Do we get another implant for Logan in his left ear? The question seems obvious, since he's deaf in both ears, wouldn't you have implants in both ears? I wish the answer was that simple. There are pros and cons to both situations. The research out there on a child with one implant verses a child with two really isn't that different. It seems that the main advantage he would have would be localization, being able to distinguish where sounds are coming from. I have been losing A LOT of sleep over this (hence the 1:00 am post) and can't seem to know what is best. We have seen more progress than we ever expected in this short amount of time with just the one implant, so part of me wonders if he needs two. I asked Logan tonight if he wanted another "ear" on his other ear. His face lit up and he shook his head. If only he fully comprehended all that that would entail...or maybe he does. The ideal situation would be to see how he's progressing in 5 years and decide then, but that isn't practical. If we are going to do it, we'd like to do it before we move in June. I really want to make the right decision for him. Part of me remembers his surgery day and the horror of it all. I can't bear to see him go through that again, although I realize that is a small price to pay for the reward in the end. Jake and I have decided to make a decision by Thursday night and take that decision to the Lord.
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I went out with a deaf-ed teacher from my school tonight and asked her about Logan. She said she would love to give you some feedback on this topic. She has recently heard of a study done by a guy at UC Irvine who thinks that the ideal situation is an implant in one ear and an aid in the other ear because that gives two different kinds of sound input-- since one is more digitized and the other is just magnified sound. If you'd like her number, I'd be happy to give it to you. Good luck with the big decision. We have several parents at our school struggling to make the same choice, and I am sure you will decide what is best for Logan's specific case. :)
Oh, Celeste, I am sorry for all your heartache. I am sure as Logan's parents, you two, along with your prayers, will make the right decision for your little one. By the way, where are you moving?
Thanks Marissa, that helped a lot!
That is one very blessed little boy- He has AWESOME parents! As you know, the good news is that Heavenly Father loves him even more than you guys do and wants the best for him too so he'll be sure to let you know what's right! He is so adorable I don't know how keep yourself from kissing his little face until it's sore!
Good luck with your decision. These kind of choices are hard. Keep praying, you'll know what's right!
Best of luck with whatever you decide, guys.
WELL....what did you decided?
I know it is a difficult decision. I am sure it more challenging since it is your son you are making this decision for. I had to make it myself. In July 2007, I had bilateral cochlear implant surgery. It took me 5 years to make the choice. You and your family are in my prayers and hopefully you don't lose anymore sleep over it.
For my choice - I wish I had not waited 5 years to get CIs. Not a day, no, not a minute goes by that I am not thankful for these fantastic implants. It allows me to hear my daughter and enjoy the music she dances too.
Valerie
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