"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu
The most clear decision is a cochlear implant for Ty. It will provide him with an opportunity to hear and offers a way to learn oral communication. I'm still very invested in learning other modes of communication (especially ASL) but the timing is right for him to maximize on language and brain development.
My parents and I attended a visit with the U of MN team to learn more about the process. The surgery itself may be the easiest part. It is often an outpatient event where they make incision behind the ear and create a pocket for an internal processor. It may take 3-5 days for the wound to heal. There is risk of infection and potential damage to facial nerve. Three weeks later the device can be activated and he will start wearing an external device. The programming and ongoing speech therapy will require the most work.
It was good to start collecting resources and facts! The big decision is whether to do one side at a time or both. The therapist says that often waiting until 2 years old means the child can be much more defiant (those terrible twos!) and often it is hard to know if one ear will be better than the other - so why not do both.
Choosing a device is also a huge step. There are three companies who manufacture the devices, each with their pros/cons.
Advanced Bionics - first waterproof device
Cochlear
Medel - smallest internal processor
There is a school that has great outcomes for kids who want to learn auditory verbal communication. Northern Voices is located in Roseville and I've heard only good things. I attended a parent session several months ago, but need to visit again to really understand how things work.
I'm very hopeful about this and excited for the next thing to be revealed.
Ty had an MRI to see if his auditory nerve is in tact. The implant will send electrical signals to the brain via the auditory nerve, so this is essential step to see if he is even a candidate. Stay tuned...