Ensign-isms

An ensignism is a story about Taylor, Alisa, Cassidy, Mckay, and Kelsey Ensign. These stories may be elaborate or mundane, but with the combined personalities of our little family, they are sure to be entertaining.

11 November 2012

Activation Day!

We will probably always remember November 1st as Kelsey's hearing birthday. While the following post shows her reaction to sound for the first time, we continue to remind ourselves that while this is a great step, there is still a long road to travel before we can truly know whether or not this process will be of benefit to Kelsey.

 Kelsey enjoyed this toy in the lobby prior to our appointment.

We entered into our room where they had set up toys, a high chair, books, and anything else they could think of to keep Kelsey entertained while they programmed her processors.


This shot shows the top of her processor hiding underneath the brown headband, and the transmitter attached to her head by magnet.


This picture gives a better idea what her processors and transmitters look like.

 

This first video shows Kelsey's response as they begin testing her reaction by sending a basic tone. It was nice to see her turn her head the first time.

Kelsey was so passive in her responses that eventually her microphone was turned on, and it finally got loud enough for her to have a response. I guess when you hear your name for the first time, it can be a little frightening.
We kept testing different frequencies and volume levels. The video above shows another scared reaction to hearing sounds for the first time. Overall it was a positive experience that verified everything appears to be functioning as it should. We were given instructions to remind family and friends that while she is beginning to hear sound, it does not sound the same way we hear sounds, but rather something like Donald Duck under water.

Kelsey climbed on top of the waiting room table and waived to everyone passing by.

It has now been 10 days since Kelsey's processors were turned on. We find it a challenge to keep them on her as she enjoys taking them off and bringing them to us. There really isn't much to report in terms of her reactions to sound because she really only has a hearing age of 65 hours. When it comes to sound...she is a newborn, and most newborns don't react to sound for some time. We do enjoy the times when she will leave her processors on and "appear" to pay closer attention to things.

We return to the audiologist two or three times a month for the next few months so they can adjust her programming and amp up the volume. This process is called "Mapping." It is essential that we make these visits as this mapping process will make it possible for Kelsey's processors to be programmed specifically for her and her needs. We will keep you all posted as we continue to learn more. As always, thank you for the love and support.