Hear Say

18 months: Keva was put on the waiting list for speech pathology. Several months later, when we were offered an appointment, it was suggested that we get her hearing tested after I explained that she made up her own signs and that most words she said sounded the same: "buppy".

April 25: audiologist removed a great deal of wax from both of her ears and conducted a hearing test where the results indicated hearing loss. It was potentially the end of an ear infection and we were to address that and come back when it was cleared. Later that day, our doctor said to return in two weeks with hopes it cleared up. No antibiotics necessary.

April 29: speech pathologist informs me that she has "mild to moderate hearing loss". I have my "Bruce Willis" moment (from the Sixth Sense) where I all of a sudden recognize it. She has been compensating and so have we...she read lips, we repeated ourselves. Speech Pathologist recommends we address her hearing as soon as possible.

May 9: back to the doctor then audiologist secretly hoping that it's all just been an ear infection that's passed. Nope. Still mild-moderate hearing loss. ENT willing to fit Keva in that morning! (Our appointment from our expedited referral was for the end of July). He suggests surgery to put tubes in her ears and has a cancellation less than one week later...

May 15: Keva has surgery - it's 9 days before Keva turns 2. It was tough for Keva and also for her Mommy (Daddy was out of town). Immediately after leaving the hospital, Keva was noticeably hearing better.

5 weeks later: the words start. The speech pathologist said it usually takes 6 weeks for language to start developing after the surgery. From her high chair, she pulls on her bib. I ask "would you like that off?". She smiles and says "offfff". She follows this up with the sign for 'play'. I confirm "you'd like to play?". Keva looks at me and says "pah-lay" with her sign. Let the talking begin!

MOMENT: Signs Say it All

This video was taken May 4, 2014, before her surgery. It's impressive how well she learned to communicate given she wasn't hearing clearly...

MOMENT: Jumping to New Heights

On the bright side, Keva's gross motor development has taken off now that she's walking. Here is footage of her wandering around and 'jumping' in the waiting room to meet the ENT on May 9th...