ENT update! Not good news.

[Misspoker]

 

We went for a hearing test and to see an ENT who specializes in 22Q yesterday, follwed by a cardiac follow up.  The cardiologist said Sierra's heart was doing great and he would see her back in 3 years...that was great news!

The ENT visit wasn't so good.  Sierra has always failed the hearing screenings that the school does and has recommended an audiography check up.  A couple of years ago when she went for a more thorough exam, it was determined she had a 20% hearing loss in her right ear.  Now they are telling me she has 20%-30% loss in both ears,  She hears low pitch sounds better in her left ear and high pitch sounds better in her right ear.  These two differences are kind of battling and making things worse for her. 

One of the more interesting things I have learned about children with this syndrome (mine in particular) is that their brain goes in multiple directions when they are in loud, confusing enviornments.  Finding out about this hearing issue has helped me understand a little more about the problems she deals with.  For example, this is the first year she has had to change classes in school, which means having to figure out where to go next, get books she needs for her next class from her locker, all of the children talking in the hallways and the comotion that goes on in the process.  All of this activity at once sends her brain into overload and mass confusion takes place.  Then with the addiition of a hearing loss and the battle going on in her ears from the different pitched noises, she goes haywire, thus getting frustrated, forgetting what she is doing and getting to class late,  Once she is in the next class, it takes her a little time to get refocused on what she is supposed to be doing.  All of this combined would be enough to create problems for anyone but extremely multiplied for Sierra.

I feel so bad for her sometimes.  I wish I had a way to make it better but all I can do is try to explain it to others so that they can understand a little better and make the necessary adjustments for her to be able to achieve her tasks.

Patience and the ability to help educate others about her syndrome are what I strive for and pray about most.