Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Brynlee's Audiology Appointment

Yesterday, we took Brynlee to the audiologist.  She does have moderate hearing loss in her left ear, and has normal hearing in her right ear.  To a mommy, that makes my heart happy that I know she can still hear my voice!  The good news, her hearing nerve for her left ear is functioning and hearing noises.  The audiologist is pretty sure the sound is not able to travel through the small ear canal that she has.  So, we have now been referred to an ENT specialist that will be able to make the decision if she will need to have an ear canal built for her or not.  They will also decide about hearing aids for her.  More than likely she will have a hearing aid sooner than later so that the nerve will continue working and hearing sounds, and it doesn't get "lazy".  Bryn was also diagnosed with Atresia/Microtia.

What is Microtia / What is Atresia?
Microtia is a congenital deformity affecting the outer ear (pinna) where the ear does not fully develop during the first trimester of pregnancy. A Microtia ear is often smaller in size, can have a peanut shaped appearance, only have a small nub or lobe present, or be completely absent at birth. Microtia is Latin for the words micro and otia, meaning “little ear.” Microtia can affect one ear (unilaterally) or both ears (bilaterally). Microtia occurs in every 1 out of 6,000 to 12,000 births. The right ear is more commonly affected. Microtia is often accompanied by Atresia.
Atresia (also known as aural atresia) is the absence or closure of the external auditory ear canal. The malformation of the middle ear bones (incus, stapes, and malleus) may be affected including the narrowing of the ear canal, known as canal stenosis. Atresia is Latin for absence of an opening.

We meet with the neurologist next week to hopefully get some more answers.

Prayer Request:
For Shaylor and I to know what will be the best thing for Brynlee as far as hearing aids, implants, etc.
That Brynlee does not have chronic ear infections (With Atresia/Microtia she is more apt to get ear infections.)
Her neurology appointment next week

Praises:
She can hear!!!!!
We have felt such a peace during all of this.  (We know it is because of all the prayers)


 

1 comment:

Unknown said...

That is great news. I understand about hearing loss. I have my own issues. I have had my hearing aides for about 10 years. I am thinking about getting the bone anchored hearing aides. They would be better for my loss. I would love to know who you end up going to. Thanks for keeping friends and family updated.
Shelli Randall