Can you hear me now?
When he was born, Ellis did not pass the hearing screen they give newborns in the hospital. They tried it twice, and he failed twice. I've been watching him. He doesn't seem to be completely unresponsive to noises, but at the same time he doesn't seem to respond the way he should, for instance he doesn't really startle at sharp noise, like if you clap by his head or slam a door.
We had a follow-up appointment with an audiologist today. They gave him the same hearing screen again, and he failed again. So then they went to the next level of testing, where they're testing brainwaves. It's kind of freaky seeing little electrode thingys attached to your kid's head. He failed that one, too.
Now these tests can't really tell much except a yes or no to the question of hearing loss. Even if there's the littlest bit, it will result in a fail. So, since he failed these tests, the answer is yes he has some hearing loss. The next level of testing is how much. It could be very slight or medium or severe. Next week we'll take him in for that test.
I'm not really worried, at this point. There's not a whole lot we know yet. And at every level of impairment there's help, all the way down to a cochlear implant for the most severe hearing loss. Of course, I want Ellis to be perfectly normal, but at the same time, I know that God has made him the child He wants him to be. We're praying that God will help us be good parents and will give grace to Ellis to help him with this challenge.
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we'll pray for Ellis and for you.
Posted by: bobw | 10.08.05 13:51
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Je voudrais parler avec Pierre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but other than that I'm good. I got my hair permed. Je vous veux voir.
abientot
Posted by: Luisa | 10.08.05 15:41
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"...but at the same time, I know that God has made him the child He wants him to be."
What a beautiful truth to take to heart -- something all parents can be comforted by. Having your child "fail" at anything is kinda rough, but you seem to have a really great perspective on this thing. I hope all this turns out to be no big deal. Give that cutie an extra squeeze from his blog buddies in NE.
Posted by: Rebecca | 10.08.05 15:47
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I'm praying for Ellis and all of you. Praise God for the common grace of medical technology.
Posted by: kristen | 10.08.05 16:44
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Oh, I wish I could hug you both right now. Praying for your family.
Posted by: mrscrumley | 10.08.05 17:28
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J, I want this to work out perfectly for Mr. Ellis- but I am so encouraged by your perspective. Your attitude illustrates the sovereignty of God, and that's awesome! Will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Shannon | 11.08.05 08:40
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I echo the sentiments about your healthy perspective. As a parent, I've watched my children undergo a few medical-related procedures with great difficulty but as a parent, my job is to provide love and support for the small beings in my care and see that they have the ability to take advantage of all options available; as parents, I think that's all we can do.
Posted by: Michelle P | 11.08.05 10:06
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What a blessing to know God is the perfect parent. Praise God for your peace, and may he bless you with a kid that stumps the docs with failed tests yet perfect hearing! You made me cry!
Posted by: katiek | 11.08.05 11:45
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God is so good. We'll be praying for y'all.
Posted by: lynnp | 11.08.05 12:42
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you know, it's going to be fine. whatever they find or don't find. I think you've got a healthy perspective on it. we'll pray for you here, too.
Posted by: Anastasia | 11.08.05 13:17
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It would be hard to find someone like you, Jeannette, that could handle this with such grace. You're in our prayers!
Posted by: Dawn | 11.08.05 17:30