Cochlear implant risks

[Kathleen Kaufman]

Hello,

My son Max is 4-months-old, and we are now considering different communication options. When we found out he was a candidate for Cochlear Implants, we decided that was the way to go ( He is the only one with a hearing loss in our family.) Since we decided this, I have been terrified, it's a major surgery! I am looking for advice and more info about the implants. Personal experiences would be very helpful as well.

Thanks in advance!

[*Katrina*]

For us, this just isn't an option. I think if our daughter decides when she is 14 or older and she wants this, we will support her. But this is just such a huge decision. I couldn't make it for her. It seems like a personal issue, but I may be the only one that feels that way. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[Lucky Day]

Whether your child gets a CI or not I really recommend signing with them. It's great for hearing kids and deaf kids too. Our 4 year old is able to have an academic age of "6" because even though he had no language input until he was one, he has no language delay now. He's already reading and writing.

Our almost 2 hearing daughter has so many signs we just stopped keeping track. Verbally, she is age appropriate but expressively, through sign language, she is amazing.

Having a deaf child has been hard for us in a lot of ways. But being forced to learn sign(because we chose to be) has been a tremendous blessing for us and the development of our children.

[Miss Kat's Mom]

I would also recommend ASL, but if you want some been there, done thatw, advice from parents with kids with CI's, you can join CICircle.

[Kathleen Kaufman]

Thanks so much for all the responses! We are currently taking ASL courses. I have always worked with children with special needs, so I plan to learn ASL whether he gets Cochlear implants or not. We also haven't had an MRI yet, until we know he can receive them we assume he will need ASL.

I will definitely check out CI Circle. Again, thanks for the responses. I appreciate all the advice and wisdom I receive.