hearing aids in the near future

Introducing the "speech banana"
I'm not trained in audiology, and I don't know all the technical terms related to audiological testing--however, I have some background in dealing with hearing loss (as a teacher for the Deaf and having my own hearing "issues"). Even if you do not have any background in these things, you can look at this "banana" and interpret it pretty easily.


The numbers running across the top are the frequency sounds (type of sound). The numbers going down is the range of decibel (loudness of sound).
Inside the white banana looking thing, is where we hear all the speech sounds; the sounds vary in decibel as you see.

Braxton and Xander have started some audiological testing with the results somewhat inconclusive due to their age. However, this last appt (last week), the doctor was giving us more of a realistic look at what he may or may not hear right now.
Looking at the speech banana, Xander could hear at a threshold of 40 (at about 400 fq) and 45 (at about 3000 fq). so if you plot those lines you will see the letters positioned above the line are the speech sounds he could miss out on. Every thing below the line he can hear. (note: "normal" hearing is above the 20). There was nothing plotted around the 1000 to 2000 fq range, so I'm not sure what is being heard . From what I remember the doctor saying , hearing is fairly "normal" in this area, so when plotting, the line wouldn't go straight across horizontally.

The reason for all the quotes and uncertainty is because with the boy's ages you can't test the exact DB loss. So the doctor was giving us a worst case and best case scenario. I sorta explained what it would look like in between. When the boys are about 2, they can be tests by turning their heads when they hear a sound, looking at a toy or a light when a certain Db/Fq sound is played. This would give us a better graph on that banana. (I have to go back to school and become a trained audiologist to really explain what i just attempted to explain) :)


SOOOO what does this mean?? It means that the doctor recommends hearing aids for both boys, and speech therapy. Their speech is only that of a 3/4 month old. This could very well be due to their hearing loss, developmental delays, prematurity, being boys, etc etc. Probably all of the above.
Early intervention is key. Although they aren't deaf, and really do hear quite a lot. They are missing some sounds that will effect the ability to articulate speech accurately. These interventions might only be temporary, but necessary for the time being.



Looking back at those meetings in the NICU (with the doctors, nurses, social workers, etc), I remember them saying they could have hearing issues, and how phil and I just smirked at one another. God knows what we can handle, and if this is the extent of their "preemie" issues, bring it! and i won't lie...I'm getting pretty excited thinking about what color hearing aids I should get the boys. Yes....colored aids are totally "in" if you are a kid :)


The boys have come A LONG way, there's no question there. I am very very proud of them! The recent hearing issues are one of the, still, multiple issues we could be facing as they are still developing. Your prayers and support are still very much appreciated!