LEARNING AND LOGIC

At the first test his hearing across all frequencies was was an average of 20dB which I learned was comparable to hearing one forth (25%) as loud as the average normal hearing individual (About Decibels). They also tend to miss 10% of the information that is spoken to them and have greatest difficulty in group learning (Colorado Hands and Voices). This just did not sit well with me. All of Alex's early intervention services were in a group environment. Besides, when is 50% ok, least of all 25%?

Why is it ok to hear 1/2 as loud as others? Now, I was a math teacher, any of my students who got 50% failed the class and could not go on.  Can you imagine hearing a lecture at the level of a whisper? . . .And missing 10% of information; that means a child with this level of hearing impairment could get only a 90% at best in my class. That is if they came every day and understood and retained the entire 90% they were entitled to by their hearing scores. How would any of you feel getting only 50% of your salary; 25%? Ok, sorry (your name here) you were on our list for a 50% salary garnish, better luck next time!!?

I also learned that in Colorado and Florida they put hearing aids on babies with this level of impairment (pg 16 Colorado Department of Public Health). We had looked back at Alex’s records and found he failed his newborn screening and at two years old his first behavioral test was 25 dB. We sought help from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, because we knew that if anyone was going to pay attention to us, they would. A visit to AR childrens was nothing more than disheartening. They made us feel THIS BIG.

Just 6 weeks later we had Levi. He also failed his newborn screening and was clearly not hearing any sounds for 4 months (a balloon pop, a door slam, yelling, nothing). After 4 months he was slowly coming out and by 6 months the ABR tested 30dB in one ear (mild loss) and 75dB (severe loss) the other (ASHA). The audiologist that tended Levi was concerned about him. As we conducted the tests we had time to get to know her and we felt comfortable. We were able to discuss our issues about Alex.