Wednesday, September 1, 2010

ABR

On Tuesday, Evie had her first A (auditory) B (brainstem) R (response test) at Primary Children's Medical Center. What a day! We needed this test to see what Evie is and isn't hearing, because she hasn't been able to pass any of the tests done on her so far.
Evie had to come to the test, deprived of food and sleep because they had to partially sedate her (so sad). By the time they finally administered the sedation medication Evie was falling asleep no matter what we did! Not to mention the poor babe hadn't eaten anything since the night before @ 10:30pm. ANYWAYS, the testing began! We sat in a dark room in silence for 2 hours! They try to keep things as quiet as possible, so we had no idea how the test was going the entire time! But in my mind, we were only doing this test to prove that she hears fine. Which, as it turns out, is NOT the case! Evie has significant hearing loss in both ears. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. I am just amazed with how smart Evie is for having such a major hearing loss. She is right up to speed with any other 10 month old. I am so proud of her!
Hearing that something is wrong with your child is honestly one of the hardest things to take in. At first all I could do was cry. You just want your child to feel normal - to be normal. BUT being in Primary Children's Hospital is a humbling experience. We saw SO many babies and children who have MAJOR health problems and disabilities. Evie's hearing loss is something that CAN be fixed. It will be hard for her at times, but throughout this week I've learned that certain people are given different trials in life to better them. If anyone could handle a hearing loss, it's Evie. She has the most up-beat and spunky personality. I know she won't let it hold her back.
I'm so glad we were able to find this out NOW! Technology is amazing! The people who do these kinds of tests are truly Heaven sent! The knowledge that they have is priceless!

What the future holds: Next month we are meeting with an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist @ Primary Children's to re-evaluate the test results that we just got. From there we'll go to a Hearing Aid Evaluation then another ABR, and somewhere in all that we want to have genetic testing done to see what has caused her this hearing loss.

Thank you everyone for your support and love :)


6 comments:

  1. oh my gosh. I'm so sorry, Whit. I know you guys will get through this. Keep your chin up!

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  2. Goodness. That IS tough. She will be great though =) Hearing loss runs in my family so I know how that feels.

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  3. From one mom to another mom- I'm crying right now. But I admire and applaud your positive attitude. Attitude is everything! Good luck with all your tests coming up and keep blog followers posted.

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  4. Your right going to Primary Children's a humbling experience & knowing that your child has something that can be fixed & with modern technology is a blessing.......we were just up there for Terrence & Law was there when he was a baby in the NICU, but Primary Children's hospital is the BEST place for them & I'm glad that you got her there & are able to do something for her hearing:) she is a doll & hope & pray your next visit goes well:)

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  5. I'll keep that little bug in my prayers! Good luck with it all, sorry you even have to go through this. All that matters is that she is happy as a clam! =)

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  6. She is such a cutie & will do great I just konw it! You're attitude is great Whit! Keep your head high! I always tell myself God would never give me anything he doesn't think I can handle. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right? You're a strong woman and I look up to you girl! Love ya! Let me know if you need ANTYHING even if it's just an ear to listen or shoulder to cry on, let me know!

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