Saturday, July 3, 2010

Adding a New Dimension...

to the preps...ladies and gentlemen, I am now the parent of a "special needs" child. Funny how one little visit to the doc and one little test can take you from being the parent of a somewhat normal, happy, healthy kid into a googling the medical terms maniac.

The oldest screamer was diagnosed with bilateral permanent hearing loss (lower decible levels) a couple of days ago. Meaning: Hearing aides for the rest of his life as the condition (whether genetic or caused by birth trauma, at this time unknown) is irreversible by medication and/or surgery. Oldest screamer is 6. We do not yet know what kind of hearing aides (digital or analog) Tricare will pay for, or the full extent of the loss...have to get into the ENT for a consult and go from there.

But this means a whole new level for prepping. Specialized batteries, cleaning and care of stuff, etc. On top of that, I've pulled out the ASL book for a restart in lessons for the whole family this time. Basic signs for youngsters and us adults for now, then onto more intense stuff. Why? Well, because the condition MAY be progressive/degenerative, because I want to be able to talk to my child should the worst happen and finally, because it's the smart thing to do. Silent communication. Why not.

2 comments:

Diana said...

I'm sorry to hear about your child's hearing loss. But, I am proud of you for taking it in your stride and reminding all of us that "silent communication" is something we all should have. Please continue to let us know about him and how you are progressing with the signs.

Jess (Ozark Momma) said...

Thanks Diana...tend to take it all in stride and roll with the punches since we get thrown so many!

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts. --Edmund Burke