Rachel's Story
Hearing Loss at 2 Months
My experience was very much the same as what I have just read. Rachael's APGAR score at birth was normal, but by 2 months I knew she could not hear. My husband and our families denied it...even were angry with me for suggesting something was wrong...and what was worse, several doctors would not listen to me either.
Improper Testing for Hearing
One made her lay on an examination table and rang a little bell over her head. When her eyes followed the bell, he told me she could hear. (!!!!!)
Professional Audiological Exam Given
On my insistance, we finally took her to an audiologist who confirmed my worst fears. After my husbands initial shock and anger subsided, we began at "square one" to learn sign. We heard so many scarey predictions about her future....
Rachel's Accomplishments and Confidence
But I'm proud to say Rachael is 14 now. She is brilliant, athletic, and independent. She loves languages (one day she surprised her interpreter by beginning to fingerspell french words) plays JV sports with hearing friends, loves animals, science and ANY NEW CHALLENGE.
For example when my younger daughter began piano, Rachael wanted to practice too. I told her NO! (I couldn't take the "pounding") Well, she practiced behind my back, and unbelievably, plays better than my hearing daughter. I guess motivation really is the key. When I asked her how she could do it, she signed, "I know a secret about me that you forgot--I can do whatever I want to do."
DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT YOUR DEAF CHILD CAN ACHIEVE! They don't know you or your child.
Do you wish to share your own stages of acceptance experience for inclusion in this article? Submit it to About Deafness/HOH for inclusion in this article.
