Hi Michel (and the rest of the group)–
Our son Nathan has worn hearing aids since he was two months old
(mild-severe in one ear – profound loss in the other). He will be
nine this year. Our first set was analog. The analog hearing aids
really helped Nathan.
I would have to look it up (all my files are at home), but I
think it was when he was five years old he received his 2nd set of
hearing aids. They were digital. When he went from analog to digital
there were several ‘new’ sounds he could then hear – which we
didn’t realize he was not hearing before – bacon frying, squeaky
chairs, wipers when they squeak on the windshield – they are a few
examples I can think of. It was such a nice thing to hear ‘What is
that noise?’ – to know the new hearing aids are assisting
even more. There was also an adjustment period to the digital because of
all the new and different sounds, but it didn’t take long.
A couple years later, a funding opportunity came up in our state
(Iowa) and we were able to get another set of digital aids – technology had
advance a lot in this time – we could use the older digital set for loaners.
The newer digital aids picked up even more sounds than his first set.
Any new set of aids we received came with a warranty (for a year
– sometimes longer) for loss or damage that covered repairs, moisture
issues etc. After the manufacturer warranty time period, we are able to
purchase additional years of support for loss or damage – I think the
cost is $100/year (well worth it!).
I can say that his first set of aids were always being sent in
for repair. This was a combination of having a baby wearing them and at
the time we did not have a dry and store (we do now and I really think it
helps keep ahead of the moisture). Here is a link to one - http://www.soundclarity.com/productdetail.asp_Q_id_E_508
Nathan also has the flat nasal bridge – we have not met
with a cranial facial team. We have not really talked about the possibility
of building his nasal bridge since his he was initially diagnosed at one year
old. I guess that is a possibility for the future but not something
we are considering at this time. If it is something you
choose to do, I would be interested in the process and suggestions you
(or anyone else in our group) may have in this area!
Nathan also wears contacts – since he was four months old.
With the severe nearsightedness and flat nasal bridge (combined with the fact
he was already wearing hearing aids) glasses we chose to go with contacts vs.
glasses.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any
questions.
Vickie
From:
MarshallSyndrome@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MarshallSyndrome@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of aranda.michel
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:35 PM
To: MarshallSyndrome@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MarshallSyndrome] Hello to all!
Just a hello from our family to all of you
members. Seems everyone has been busy busy and have not been able to post any
messsages or visit the site recently. There have been many times i have wanted
to ask questions but just can't seem to find the time. My son Lalo is growing
so fast. We recently had an ABR hearing test done which showed some mild to
moderate loss in both ears. On April 1st we will go get fitted and pick out his
hearing aids. If any one has any imput on what to look for that would be great
for i have never dealt with this before. Also one of the biggest questions i
have had for a long time is regarding his small nose bridge. We have met with a
cranial facial team who says when Lalo is 5yrs.they can build up the bridge. Of
course it will have to be done every few years as he grows. Was wondering if
any of you have done this or have anything to say on this subject. Your opinons
would really help me in making this huge decision. Four years will be here
before we know it. It'd be great to hear from any of you. Hope all is well with
everyone. MICHEL ARANDA