Did you know that…
Hearing loss is the most common congenital anomaly found in newborns…and yet not all newborns are routinely tested for it.
Approximately three per 1000 babies are born with a significant hearing loss, and many more children are born with milder forms of hearing loss.
14.9% of US children aged six to nineteen have a measurable hearing loss in one or both ears.
Any degree of hearing loss can be educationally handicapping for children. Even children with mild to moderate hearing losses can miss up to 50% of classroom discussions. Unmanaged hearing loss in children can affect their speech and language development, academic capabilities and educational development, and self-image and social/emotional development.
The average age of identification of hearing loss in infants is two and a half to three years of age - well past the critical period for speech & language development.
Studies estimate that as much as 90% of what young children learn is attributable to the reception of incidental conversations around them.
37% of children with only minimal hearing loss fail at least one grade.
All children can be evaluated for hearing loss. Even children who are only minutes old can have their hearing assessed using tests that are safe, painless and easy to administer.
Recent NIH studies have shown that children with hearing loss who are identified and receive early intervention prior to six months of age develop significantly better language ability than children identified after six months.
93 percent of deaf children are born into hearing families; only 7 percent are born into deaf families.
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most widely used language in the United States.
- It seems like almost two years after the implant - normal life has finally begun for Savanah. There are not so many appointments, she is not having to get so angry with us because we can't understand her, she doesn't have to sign if she doesn't want to - she CAN FINALLY HEAR! But the fact is she is not a "normal" child - she is a deaf child who is functioning in a hearing world with a cochlear implant. She is a statistic, a child born with congenital CMV where the only affliction on her body was hearing loss and deafness. BUT this will never define her character, I don't feel the need to introduce my daughter as "Savanah, our deaf child." Although I do believe A LOT of her personality and sweetness have been linked to her disability. We love her so deeply, she is the most gentle spirit you have ever been around. She makes me remember when I am angry about something, to not be so angry anymore. I am so proud of the progress she has made and the steps she continues to make. I am so glad everyday that I have a deaf daughter. I am so proud to be an advocate for her and that I get the great opportunity to educate others. Thank you Savanah for being a HUGE part of our lives.
1 comment:
I'm glad you have finally made it to what I call the "maintainence phase" and while it does still involve a great deal more work than a hearing child requires, you are right. It is worth it! She sounds like a very special girl. You are lucky to have her and SHE is lucky to have you!
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