Macey’s New Ears

Our last post kind of left everyone hanging, for a long time.  So to catch up, there are some things we must share!

After we came home from the surgery, there was a 2-3 week period where we had to wait for everything to heal properly.  For most patients, that wait is even longer, but they made an exception for us because of our impending baby situation.  This meant no hearing aids or cochlear implants.  That transition period was a change.  We no longer had a house full of happy Macey squeaks, coos, and babble.  It was definitely quieter, which was sad at times.  The surgery presents other risks for side effects, but we were happy to see none of them as her incisions healed.  She still posed for pictures, flashing her cheesy, eyes closed smile, and was her happy, playful, Macey self, only quieter.

Here are some pictures during that time with her BYU wear, her new big girl car seat, the park, etc. 

Activation

On September 22, Macey’s new ears were activated.  In plain english, this was when the external portions of the cochlear implant system were fitted to her ears, programmed, and turned on.  It happened at our audiologist office.  The standard procedure is basically to set the system at a volume level she is comfortable with, but will also be loud enough to get a response from Macey with different sounds.  At the appointment, Macey did as wonderful as always.  She responded appropriately and everything was set up.  At home, after some custom adjustments to her fittings (using her old hearing aid molds instead of the silly ear clamp system), Macey was comfortable with her new hardware.  She almost never takes them out, then or now. 

The first couple of days with her new implants were slightly disappointing for us.  We felt that we saw little results.  She seemed to respond far less than how she did with her hearing aids.  However, all that changed after the next processor adjustment appointment.  At the appointment, Macey’s ears were turned up, to a point where she was being startled and slightly upset at sounds that were around her.  From there, she’s only made improvements.  Since the activation, her volume level has been steadily increased, thus allowing her to hear more and more.  She hears and responds to all kinds of things including, but not limited to: her name, the microwave, running water, the front door, the oven timer, etc.  She’s on track and we work with her every day with new sounds, teaching her to use her new ears.  Way to go Macey!