2 Year Old Cooper Hear's Mommy's Voice First Time

[naisho]

But do you realize that a parent is implanting SOMETHING in their body? what if the child grows up and doesn't want to wear it anymore? its a waste of money. That may or may not happen. We don't know what the future will be like for the child. But It is their body. Its like changing them, in my personal belief. I would rather wait for the child to see if they want it. Instead of saying that it helps you hear better, people needs to explain to deaf children that an implant involves surgery, and it will help you hear but it does not cure anything. I'm not accusing of anybody here. I'm just simply telling you my opinions from who once used to be an 8 year old making her own decision of getting a cochlear implant. To me, if I gotten an implant based on my parents decision and not letting me involved with it, I would feel like this isn't fair. How come I didn't get involved in this process? I would be disappointed and upset. Parents can make decisions if the child's life was in danger like they need a new liver or a new kidney, but implanting something that might not be needed for the child, isn't that important. Getting a cochlear implant is a huge decision for a child, yes, but its also something you can talk to your child about getting. Where's the respect for the child? I have not seen this around parents.

That is an internal issue with most parents who have their children implanted at an early age. It's a decision they made as they thought it would be for the better (in their opinion) of their family and for the child, thus their child's own decision has no relevance in the end.

Their opinion is not wrong, but their child has no vote in the matter. It's kind of like mom and pop are talking to each other

Mom: "What ice cream do we get for junior? Vanilla or Chocolate?"
Dad: "hmm I think I'd go with the rocky road"
Junior: *thinking* "I want rainbow swirls"
Mom: "We'll get vanilla. Here you go junior."
Dad: "Fine by me."

Junior age 1-5: *thinking* "Whatever."
Junior age 10: "Mom, I never liked vanilla."

If the second case ever happens, it's like an irreversable surgery. It was preventable if the decision was made at a later date.

 

[Jiro]

Who am I to judge another parent who is doing nothing illegal and is a medically accepted practice??? All I hope is that their decision is informed.

We both know very well that their "informed decision" is highly speculative and subjective. What is "informed decision"? What makes them put more values into their decision to opt for CI? Did it strongly outweigh other option? In most cases, it's very biased with hearing perspective as apparent in AD. I mean.... many of us were once deaf children of hearing parents and we all share similar story.

Since we do not want that to happen to them again and again and again, I believe it's very important that we assert our opinions quite strongly right here in AD because it's no doubt that CI organizations and CI companies are well-funded, well-organized, and well-advertised to keep same ole' parents' "audist-like" concern very strong and alive.

 

[CSign]

not true. my mother had very strong feelings about me when i couldn't hear anything at the time when i was a toddler. My father thought I was okay, but my mother started banging pots, calling out to my name, I didn't respond. Then my mother started bawling and freaking out about my future and that's what my parents basically told me. My mom told me that she was so afraid for my future because she didn't know what might happen. Until she and my father got the education about the deaf community, they started to calm down and realized that I would be okay with their help of learning sign language and the different options, being just plain deaf, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.

I don't feel that making a generalization that parents "panic" is an accurate description. Sure, they might be scared because they don't have the information to feel confident that their child will be okay in the long run, but once they seek out that information it's a whole different ball game. Maybe some parents "panic", but I'd say most are just a bit fearful and unsure until they educate themselves.

As to the bolded above, exactly. Your parents sought out information from and about the d/Deaf community. Once they were able to educate themselves about it, I'm sure they felt a sense of empowerment and peace.

The same goes for all parents of children who are DHH. When parents take the time to educate themselves, they are more confident and in a better position to meet the needs of their child and make the appropriate choices on behalf of their child. Whether that be the use of HA's, CI's, sign language, type of educational environment, support, services etc..

 

[TXgolfer]

We both know very well that their "informed decision" is highly speculative and subjective. What is "informed decision"? What makes them put more values into their decision to opt for CI? In most cases, it's biased with hearing perspective as apparent in AD. I mean.... many of us were deaf children of hearing parents and we all share similar story.

Since we do not want that to happen to them again and again and again, I believe it's very important that we assert our opinions quite strongly right here in AD. It's no doubt that CI organizations and CI companies are well-funded, well-organized, and well-advertised to keep same ole' parents' "audist-like" concern very strong and alive.

Umm, an informed choice can go either way. *shrug* And either decision is fine with me.

I also totally support people expressing their opinions. Bullying is another story. Sarcastic replies and negativity toward the way another deals with their deafness is unnecessary IMO.

 

[Jiro]

Umm, an informed choice can go either way. *shrug* And either decision is fine with me.

I also totally support people expressing their opinions. Bullying is another story. Sarcastic replies and negativity toward the way another deals with their deafness is unnecessary IMO.

where?

 

[TXgolfer]

where?

Not gonna play that game....it's here and you know it is. I will let ya know the next time it happens though

 

[Jiro]

Not gonna play that game....it's here and you know it is.

whoa. negativity.

I will let ya know the next time it happens though

thanks. please do.

 

[CSign]

your story is exactly an ideal scenario that we'd like for many parents. that's why we will continue to express our concerns and advices that would dispel their common concerns based on hearing perspective that led them to opt for CI. We cannot sit idly and watch as "neutral bystanders" while hearing parents are high-fiving each other about a wonderful success with CI and encouraging other parents to do same when in fact they haven't really haven't dealt with reality yet because their deaf children aren't adult yet.

We are always concerned for deaf children's well-being and we do not want them to go thru same thing as us.

But as for parents deciding to go ahead with CI for their toddlers, I have repeatedly stated that I support GrendelQ's choice to go with BiBi approach. I have no problem with that as long as her daughter is actively involved in both worlds. Lot of parents don't do this and that's what we're gravely concerned about.

I appreciate CoolSpyerGirl sharing her story.

With that said, if you had thoroughly read her post you would have noticed she lost her hearing at the age of 3 and had a severe hearing loss.

Losing your hearing at the age of 3 is very different from being born profoundly deaf, that was Cloggy's point.

 

[Jiro]

I appreciate CoolSpyerGirl sharing her story.

With that said, if you had thoroughly read her post you would have noticed she lost her hearing at the age of 3 and had a severe hearing loss.

Losing your hearing at the age of 3 is very different from being born profoundly deaf, that was Cloggy's point.

your point is..........?

 

[TXgolfer]

whoa. negativity.

Not at all

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

That is an internal issue with most parents who have their children implanted at an early age. It's a decision they made as they thought it would be for the better (in their opinion) of their family and for the child, thus their child's own decision has no relevance in the end.

Their opinion is not wrong, but their child has no vote in the matter. It's kind of like mom and pop are talking to each other

Mom: "What ice cream do we get for junior? Vanilla or Chocolate?"
Dad: "hmm I think I'd go with the rocky road"
Junior: *thinking* "I want rainbow swirls"
Mom: "We'll get vanilla. Here you go junior."
Dad: "Fine by me."

Junior age 1-5: *thinking* "Whatever."
Junior age 10: "Mom, I never liked vanilla."

If the second case ever happens, it's like an irreversable surgery. It was preventable if the decision was made at a later date.

that's exactly what i've been trying to say!

 

[Jiro]

I don't feel that making a generalization that parents "panic" is an accurate description. Sure, they might be scared because they don't have the information to feel confident that their child will be okay in the long run, but once they seek out that information it's a whole different ball game. Maybe some parents "panic", but I'd say most are just a bit fearful and unsure until they educate themselves.

You say tomato, I say tomahto. The fact still remains that all hearing parents get frightened when doctor tells them that their baby is deaf which compelled them to go out and do the whole 9 yards with a typical agenda in mind - "how can we restore his hearing? will he be able to speak?" in most cases.

And I see that you're avoiding my question - "What do you think how do deaf parents react if their doctor tells them that their newborn is deaf? or hearing?". Well no biggie. and I told you - you do not have to get defensive and defend your reasoning behind your decision. We know. We understand. We get it. You just have to be more receptive this time and not lecture to us about ASL-SEE thing (for example). That's all.

As to the bolded above, exactly. Your parents sought out information from and about the d/Deaf community. Once they were able to educate themselves about it, I'm sure they felt a sense of empowerment and peace.

The same goes for all parents of children who are DHH. When parents take the time to educate themselves, they are more confident and in a better position to meet the needs of their child and make the appropriate choices on behalf of their child. Whether that be the use of HA's, CI's, sign language, type of educational environment, support, services etc..

I wish I can say same for majority of parents but I disagree. I doubt that they would even consider incorporating ASL and involvement in deaf community. It's considered as least favorable option and stays at the bottom of the list after all options have been exhausted. Problem is... by the time it gets to that option, it's too late. That's what we're also gravely concerned about.

I believe coolgirlspyer90's parents represent a small minority of hearing parents who are very receptive and understanding about it. I believe this approach is easier and less stressful for both hearing parents and deaf children. The other option is, in my opinion, detrimental to child's growth development because it robs them of their precious time and childhood since they have to undergo thru lengthy, intensive therapy sessions, training, whatsoever. It's hard on both parents and children.

 

[Cloggy]

nope not really. I find it quite comical that you consider it as "neutral" when weighing on something. How is it neutral if you lean toward CI without getting your child's input in decision? There's something that weighing on your decision that led you to get a CI implantation therefore it is not neutral. It is very obvious that hearing parents put more value in hearing because of their biased hearing perspective and zero deaf perspective.

A neutral position would be letting one to decide for himself with all pros and cons at hand.

It is very obvious that deaf parents put more value in deafness because of their biased deaf perspective and zero hearing perspective.

 

[Frisky Feline]

It is very obvious that deaf parents put more value in deafness because of their biased deaf perspective and zero hearing perspective.

does that mean a deaf kid grew up with hearing family and still consider as a zero hearing perspective??? is that what you mean?

 

[LoveBlue]

that's why you wait till he/she wants it - regardless of age.


I'm against parents making a decision for baby regarding CI. I'd prefer a child to decide for oneself.

Pro-Choice.

So, does that mean a baby yet to be born has a right to choose whether s/he wants to be born or not? You did bring up pro-choice.

 

[TXgolfer]

You say tomato, I say tomahto. The fact still remains that all hearing parents get frightened when doctor tells them that their baby is deaf which compelled them to go out and do the whole 9 yards with a typical agenda in mind - "how can we restore his hearing? will he be able to speak?" in most cases.

And I see that you're avoiding my question - "What do you think how do deaf parents react if their doctor tells them that their newborn is deaf? or hearing?". Well no biggie. and I told you - you do not have to get defensive and defend your reasoning behind your decision. We know. We understand. We get it. You just have to be more receptive this time and not lecture to us about ASL-SEE thing (for example). That's all..

1) Frightened and panic are different things. One can be frightened without panicking

2) why does she "have to be more receptive" ? Why is she not free to believe as she wishes?

 

[Jiro]

So, does that mean a baby yet to be born has a right to choose whether s/he wants to be born or not? You did bring up pro-choice.

Focus focus focus.

 

[LoveBlue]

Focus focus focus.

Be clear be clear be clear

 

[Jiro]

1) Frightened and panic are different things. One can be frightened without panicking

2) why does she "have to be more receptive" ? Why is she not free to believe as she wishes?

1. You say tomato. I say tomahto

2. She is free to believe whatever she wants as long as she keeps it to herself but if she'a going to say something publicly in here, she should expect some replies not what she's looking for... like criticisms. And she should be more receptive than suggestive such as lecturing to us about SEE language.

I'm not quite sure what's your role in here. Spin doctor?

 

[saywhatkid]

Still no reason to be negative. If one doesn't want a CI that is their choice and I respect their choice. No need to bring down others for what makes them happy.

So how does the 2 year old intend to pay for the implant he wanted? Did Santa bring it after seeing it on the Christmas list, next to Legos and Hot Wheels?

Maybe the 2 year old had no say; Mom and Dad voted for him.