Yesterday morning, February 26th, was national cochlear implant day! Last year, I didn’t wake up thinking this day would be so close to my heart. But today, we are seeing this day in such a different light. No parent wakes up and wishes that their daughter was deaf from a deadly illness. However, we do wake up grateful that our child is alive, healthy and has the resources from modern technology to not only survive a deadly illness but also to be able to completely thrive in todays world.
Because of cochlear implants, Inaara is speaking in full sentences, answering questions and able to recognize words and sounds. I was watching a video from a few weeks after her implants were activated, and I myself at that time did not realize the amount her speech was declining, her inability to control her tongue and speak words clearly. Today, she sounds fantastic and is continuing to learn.
Our whole life changed when we found out Inaara was deaf, but our whole world is going to continue to change as Inaara grows and learns to live with her disability with the help of advanced technology that is allowing her to continue.
We are so thankful for the team at Columbia Surgical Specialists, specifically Inaara’s surgeon Dr. William Schmidt and her teachers at the School of HOPE that literally gave us hope in our most needed time.
If you have any questions about cochlear implants or are in need of some advice, I may not know everything but I will do my best to support you and find the answers from the right people that you are looking for.
xx
