Another Audiogram

Natalie had another audiology appointment a few weeks ago. This was our 7th trip to Chapel Hill since the beginning of the year. That many trips was taking a toll on me. It was really hard arranging child care, packing, the long drive and day, not to mention having 1 whole day taken from your week puts you behind. But, we are so thankful we chose to go up there (and not staying in Charlotte for all of this) and all the wonderful people we work with each visit. It is definitely worth it. Now our visits are getting more spread out and we will go back in June. I hope that she is saying some words by then. A girl can dream right?

This was Natalie's 3rd audiogram since we activated her in January. Both previous times we tested just the left ear, this visit we just tested the right ear. I thought she caught on a lot better to the testing. We sit in a sound booth and anytime a different sound/pitch is made, Natalie should turn and look at the animals and lights if she hears the sound. Since she is so young, sometimes it takes a few times for her to learn how to do this. Otherwise, the audiologists will watch her eye movement for responses as well. Next visit we will test both ears hopefully if she allows it.

She is definitely hearing and in the "speech banana". I am noticing a lot more babbling and know that her first words are just around the corner. I was really hoping for Mother's Day she would say "mama" ... and she was really close. 

Her last AVT appointment, she seemed to be progressing very well. When we were doing the cow sounds, you could kind of make out the "moo" that she was really trying to get out. 

3rd Audiogram

She loves playing with her siblings and I think she is learning so much from them every day.

We have met a new friend through a friend. Elizabeth has had a cochlear implant on her right ear since she was 4 and has had it for 22 years. She was one of the first kids to have received them during that time. She is doing really well and has really loved getting to know Natalie. It has been great to talk with her about what is was like growing up and seeing all the differences and similarities with everything.

Elizabeth and Natalie