"Bionic Ears"

This was how Payton used to talk on the phone. Notice the 2 phones, one on each ear. She has struggled a long time with Conductive Hearing Loss. Since last July we have been living at the audiologists office getting hearing test after hearing test. We've met with the Doctor, the Ear Surgeon and the best route for Payton we all decided was to get hearing aids, which will now forever be lovingly referred to as "Hearing Helpers". When she is in her teens we will then assess the hearing situation again and most likely get surgery to repair the tiny bones in her ears which have been damaged. We knew she had the chance of hearing problems after being born with the Cleft Palate. We have been so lucky in many other ways due to this trial that we only see this as a tiny bump in the long road Payton has ahead of her. I for one think she is thriving beyond everyone's expectations. She has no delays and does not struggle socially or academically, which can often happen with hearing loss. Payton was very excited to start the "Hearing Helpers" process. She was fitted for them and had to get impressions of her ears. They filled her ears with "Goo" type silly putty that dried instantly. Then the impressions were sent off to be made into the ear molds. She got to pick the color of them and chose pink with sparkles! About 3 weeks later the molds and helpers were ready to be picked up. At the orientation meeting, we were taught how to put in and take out the Hearing Helpers, how to clean them, how to change the battery, how to turn them off and on. Rob and I both had to practice putting the helpers on her. But, Payton was so eager to learn and do it all by herself. I was amazed watching my baby take the initiative to learn the responsibilities of her new helpers. Finally came the moment we have all been waiting for... Sound! They were turned on and her face just lit up, she could her the tiniest of noise. She asked me to whisper in her ear (something that was impossible before). In my most quiet voice, barley audible, I said, "I love you". She looked at me wide eyed and said, "I love you too!" It brought tears to my eyes thinking about how much she has missed due to not hearing, but it's okay now. Payton just entered into a new world, the new "World of Hearing". After the meeting she couldn't wait to get back to school to share them with her friends. I made prior arrangements with her teacher so we could take some time to show and explain the hearing helpers to her classmates. We told them that Payton now has Bionic Ears! All the kids were fascinated and wanted to see them up close. She was so brave and proud showing them off. Before she was concerned with being different. But, we explained that it's the differences that make each one of us special. I hope she always believes that and realizes how very special she is to us. I just made Payton promise me one thing, "Don't turn down your hearing helpers when your mama is talking!"

(Payton getting fitted for her Ear Molds)

(Payton putting on the Hearing Helpers for the first time!)