A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today's appointment at University of Miami for Kylie was an A+++++++++++++++ appointment.  It's hard to believe how far we have come,  when we first started having appointments, Kylie's cooperation levels weren't exactly perfect. (Meltdowns were common and bribes were abundant) Now, she walks in like she owns the place and sits patiently and participates as she is needed.

Today wasn't just an A plus due to Kylie's behavior, it was an A plus as Kylie has made HUGE progress since being activated less than two months ago on her left ear. The reaction from the doctors is this is a lot faster and farther than they would anticipate Kylie to be at at this point.  Music to our ears!!  While you probably aren't as familiar with levels you should be at for hearing you are probably familiar with the 20/20 Vision.  Well Kylie's right and left ears are very very close to 20/20.  Is that not amazing to be labeled as Deaf and Hard of Hearing and now be at these levels??  That's technology, hard work and amazing professionals (our small village)!!

Here is a picture of Kylie's Audiogram from 2011 the straight line around 20 is normal hearing ideally you would want to be at or above that.  Kylie's left ear is the line that starts around 50 and drops significantly. Her right ear is the line that is at the bottom. You can see how she was missing out on so many sounds based on what she was hearing. 

Here is Kylie's Audiogram from today.  See the lines at or around 20?  LOVE THEM!

This means that Kylie has access to hear all sounds. This does NOT mean that she is walking around with perfect pronunciation and is now talking clear.  This is all learned and something she works hard on each day.  For instance, we live in Coral Springs.  Kylie says Horal. So we practice and practice.  Then there is Corn for what comes out like.. You get the picture! 

The technology incorporated into her cochlear implants is amazing and we are blessed that she was born in the day and age of technology. We are still excited to see her use the Bluetooth and take a phone call in her head!  For now practice practice practice and her speech and vocabulary will improve. One step at a time! 

The doctors were so impressed with her results today we went from bi-weekly appointments to not having to come back to July.  

Our Smiley Kylie -- another hurdle to check off the list! Love her to pieces! 

Happy 2nd Birthday Right Cochlear Implant

Kylie was very excited last week to celebrate her second birthday for her right Cochlear Implant.  I know it probably sounds crazy but really it is a special time to celebrate hearing for the first time and reflecting on the progress that has been made. We celebrated with a cookie cake and a few small gifts, I mean what is a birthday without a Publix cake?  Kylie was a little upset that there was no surprise for breakfast so what about pancakes with a candle?!?

The right Cochlear which has now been activated over 2 years is doing very well for Kylie and she has adapted.  Not saying her speech is perfect but she is becoming less unintelligible.   

The left cochlear implant has only been activated about a month in a half and huge huge progress on that side as well.  We take off the right processor just to work with Kylie on the left side and she is recognizing words and phrases.  If you ask her to repeat what she hears she is doing pretty good.  If you say mat and map she is not distinguishing the ending sound and at times says the wrong word.  It's all a work in progress and we are thrilled with her progress this far.  

Two mornings ago the oddest thing happened, Kylie came running out of the bathroom holding her ears and saying, "Mom there is a weird noise in the bathroom."  Funny how as a Mom we go running right in with no fear, I mean what if there was a grizzly bear behind the shower curtain or something but no we run right in.  After checking everything out I didn't hear or see anything unusual and then it hit me.  We just changed her program on her left ear and she was hearing the toilet flush.  I took her back in and flushed it again so she could make the connection and her comment was, "WOW it is LOUD!" It is amazing to me the sounds we hear and what we take for granted.  

Overall things are wonderful with her cochlear implants and her world is changing daily.  We are faced with a current challenge of riding her bike.  See with two cochlear implants wearing a bike helmet is challenging as it pushes the devices off her head.  She has to constantly stop and fix them.  If you know of any solutions please let us know. I am sure a head band or something first than the helmet will work just looking for ideas! 

With Smiley Kylie nothing will stand in her way :) 

Here is a picture of a dog Kylie drew and painted from art class.