Thanks to Cochlear for sponsoring this important post. All opinions are, as always, my own.
As parents, our greatest hope for our children is that they have the opportunity to live their lives without limits. We celebrate each developmental milestone with a mixture of joy and relief.
But what happens when you suspect something is wrong and your child is not hitting those milestones?
Hearing loss is often responsible for children falling behind, and Cochlear understands that it’s about so much more than hearing.
The global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear has helped more than 450,000 people over the past 30 years, providing products designed to treat a range of hearing loss. The one you’ve probably heard the most about – cochlear implants – is one that I’m very familiar with since it’s made a huge difference in my father’s life.
Because I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically cochlear implants can improve someone’s quality of life, I jumped at the chance to share this information. I’ll be writing specifically about my dad’s experience tomorrow but right now I want to give you some facts and resources.
According to the Hearing Health Foundation, hearing loss is the second most prevalent global health issue, affecting more than Parkinson’s, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s Disease and diabetes combined. This is huge for children because hearing has a direct correlation on communication, which is the foundation for so many developmental milestones.
Cochlear knows that the earlier you give kids access to hearing, the better for their speech, language and development. We’ve all seen kids’ faces light up when they hear the sound of a parent’s voice or a beloved pet’s bark, and the company believes every child should have the opportunity to experience that.
Cochlear’s website, IWantYouToHear.com, provides a wealth of information for parents who have questions about their own kids’ hearing. This is such an important resource, especially since 90 percent of children with hearing loss are born to hearing parents who have no experience with this issue.
The website offers valuable tips on signs to look for in your children, how hearing is tested, and how cochlear implants actually work. They also provide a hearing specialist locator so you can type in your zip code to find an expert in your area.
Because cochlear implants are medical devices, they are subject to FDA guidelines. You can’t just get one; your doctor will determine if you meet the specific criteria.
And, because cochlear implants become a permanent part of a child’s life, Cochlear makes it clear that they will be, too. They are supportive, life-long partners who are there to help families navigate through what can be a scary and challenging journey.
Cochlear has also hosted Facebook chats with experts in the field, including Dr. Dana Suskin, pediatric otolaryngologist and founder of Thirty Million Words, a groundbreaking initiative. The program focuses on practical ways for parents to capitalize on the results of a study showing that the “achievement gap” in learning comes from the fact that, by their fourth birthdays, some children hear 30 million words fewer than other children.
To put it simply, the most important thing you can do for your kids is talk to them! It’s even more instrumental to their development than preschool.
This research has profound significance for children with hearing loss but what Cochlear also offers is hope. They remind parents that hearing is actually about the brain – not about the ears – and they are there to help families every step of the way.
If you suspect your child or grandchild may be experiencing hearing loss, trust your instincts. Check out IWantYouToHear.com, watch videos of other families’ experiences and find a hearing specialist near you.
I hope you’ll come back tomorrow to read about my dad’s experience with cochlear implants. It’s life-changing.
Toni McCloe says
This is wonderful. Anything that helps to improve the quality of life is great for adults and for children. Almost half a million in 30 years is very impressive.
CAROL CASSARA says
I know there is somewhat of a controversy among deaf people, some of whom think that there is no need to hear. I am not deaf, let me make that clear. While I don’t think that being deaf means less of a life, it does cut you off from enjoying the fullness of some lovely things, like music. I see this product as a good thing.
Sue says
I had no idea that the stats were so high globally. Cochlear implants have been in Australia for quite some time and it is wonderful to see the look of surprise on children and adults who have had this procedure done. Thanks for highlighting it so that others can feel hope.
Rena McDaniel says
I love that you wrote about this Lois! My granddaughter received her implants last year and they are working fabulously. I am so glad that there are things out there like this. We would be heartbroken without them
aaronica @ the crunchy mommy says
This is such an important topic to speak about. Sometimes we think our kids are ignoring us when in fact, they can’t hear. I’m so happy about all the advancements that science has made to make hearing possible for everyone!
Ellen Dolgen says
What fantastic info! Important for Mom’s and Grandma’s!
Alicia Taylor says
I thought my son was deaf when he was a baby, but it turned out he was autistic. Help was not available when he was young, but it is now. Early testing is paramount to making sure your child is correctly diagnosed and treated. Thank you so much for writing on this topic.
Heather Lawrence says
I took care of a little one that was born without ear canals but she had the coolest device that she wore like a headband which helped her hear.
When she is older they will implant it on the side of her head but she was growing so quickly she would have required surgery every 6 months.
This topic is so fascinating for me!
Melisa says
Cochlear implants are so amazing! I wish it was something available to everyone with hearing issues.
Amy says
Hearing is so crucial to a young child’s development. It is so great that they Cochlear and others who make it a priority to help children with hearing issues move forward so they can develop language correctly! Thank goodness for modern medicine!
Cathy Lawdanski says
Such important information for parents and grandparents. Thanks for including the signs of hearing loss for the different age groups and milestones to look for. I look forward to reading about your dad’s experience. Great post, Lois!
Carolann says
wow, those numbers are amazing. I always tear up when I see videos of people hearing for the first time. We are truly blessed to live in this time with all of this technology at our fingertips!
Leanne says
I’m seeing more and more cochlear implants in children today – it’s such amazing technology – and I love the fb clips of children’s faces when their implant is turned on and they hear for the first time.
Janie Emaus says
This is great info. I know my grandkids can hear just fine. Is there something to help them actually listen and do what I’m asking? LOL!
Amanda says
Cochlear implants are amazing! I had a friend at church get this surgery and it was amazing for her to hear!
Carol Bryant says
I knew of a child who had a cochlear implant. It is amazing and what a joy the child could hear.
Estelle says
I love any option to help children live a healthier and better life. Thanks for sharing these important messages and information.
laura londergan says
this is great as anything that help children have a better quality of life I think is important
Rosey says
It’s wonderful that there are advancements to help children hear. What a great gift to offer.
Shanna says
I love these! The videos of people hearing for the first time on Facebook always make me cry so hard. And now I’m tearing up just reading this.
Claudia Krusch says
Love your post! My son had many year infections and surgeries when he was little and I had no resources to help me through that journey! Thank you for sharing it!
Liz Mays says
I know this is so important for parents who are looking for answers and have “hope” like you said. This is a godsend.