Here's Tate, at three and a half. His audiologist is making his first ear mold impression and he's investigating the strange pink stuff in his ear. (It doesn't hurt, but it must feel really weird.)
And, PS, isn't he adorable?!
And then a few weeks later, here we are back at Children's. I'm putting in the ear mold and Tate is wondering why on earth people mess with his ears every time he comes here. I mean, WHAT, already.
And then I turned it on. And there was sound.
That look on his face is worth a million bucks. He told me later that summer that he could hear rain. And birds. And whispers. The quiet sounds. Things he'd never heard before.
And around our house, hearing aids became COOL. Gunnar wanted his own, and Tate was glad to help him out ;D
Tate certainly never let his disability hold him back.
And here we are, years later, having made the transition from hearing aids to cochlear implants. Well, we're still in process. It's only been a week since his new processor was activated and Tate is doing great. Kerri (our fabulous audie) put him in the sound booth yesterday and he's made a ton of progress just since last Thursday or Friday. I won't quote tests and scores at you... just know, he's doing great.
He reports that I (and others) no longer sound like mice. We're still kind of robotic and muffled - not crisp and clear yet. But again, ONE WEEK.
And tonight he had a first, and I didn't have my camera handy. (Mom fail). So I'm reposting a gratuitous Christmas photo, because this is the kind of smile I got :D
Or this one. Tate has a great smile :D
We hooked up his Compilot, blue-tooth-linked it to Kerry's cel phone, and Tate called Grandpa and Grandma Grasshopper.
That sounds so ordinary. He made a phone call.
NOT ordinary.
That's the first time in his life - the first time EVER - he's been able to hear clearly on the phone. That's huge. That's independence. Making a phone call can now be ordinary, like it is for everybody else.
All this technology... it's like drinking from a fire-hydrant. There's more we need to learn how to do. But for now?
WOO-HOO!
8 comments:
WOO HOO! is right!
What a journey!
Very thankful for God's goodness that is so evident in Tate's life.
That is so awesome!!! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for Tate.
That is so awesome! I love his smile! His entire face lights up. He is an amazing young man. To never have been able to talk on the phone! To hook up blue tooth! WOW! What technology!
Hugs to everyone!
I have also changed my blog address The Joyful Bookcase is now My cup runneth over @ http:my--cup--runneth--over.blogspot.com
Hope to see you around!
You cannot imagine the feeling this gramma had last night to get a call from Tater!!! He could hear me just fine - even trying out 'different' programs and volumes. This is wonderful technology. I had tears in my eyes when Grandpa got home and I got to tell him about it. Thanks to all of you 'blogger friends' of Julie's for your prayers for Tate. He is an amazing young man.
Such and amazing and awesomely wonderful young man!! This post brought tears to my eyes. Perhaps because I can now identify more closely with the situation? A seems to be doing a bit better again. One of these days, I'll email you with a long catch up session. :o)
Thank you for sharing Tate journey with us!
I am just so happy for Tate! That beautiful smile says it all. I am so thankful for technology. We have a son with Type I diabetes. He was diagnosed just a year after testing strips became available for home use. He now, of course, has an insulin pump which makes his life much easier. Thank the Lord for people who have the wisdom to invent the technological devices which benefit our lives. I am celebrating with Tate and your family!
That's all so amazing! !! The whole hook-up thingy to be able to make a phone call. . Wow!
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