Cochlear Americas promotes their processors as "sprinkler proof" but we have never felt brave enough to test that theory. So, Toes goes without her processors when she is near water. It is amazing how well we are able to communicate with limited signs and lip reading. There was never a moment where I felt she didn't understand what we were saying. "Eat lunch?" "Don't drink the water!" "Go on the slide?"
A month ago, a friend e-mailed me a link to a video of a family that came up with an ingenious way of wearing a processor in the pool. (Drew's Dad posted it as well) We look forward to offering this to her as an option when she is older. But at this point, we are pretty successful communicating at the pool. Other than the need to tap her on her shoulder instead of calling her name when we want to get her attention, there wasn't a glitch.
I imagined that as she got older and our communication became more developed, the limited conversation in un-aided situations would become frustrating. But after reading the latest entry on Lotte's blog, I think I may be underestimating what these kids are capable of. Toes is already showing signs that she "hears" without her processors. In another few years, I imagine she will be much like Lotte in her ability to "hear" - even without sound.
I don't think there will ever be a point where I stop being amazed at what CIs can do.
Post note:
Based on a couple comments I've received off blog, I wanted to post a clarification regarding Erin "hearing" without her processors.
Erin by no means hears sound without her processors. What she "hears" (I believe) is an internal form of sound, based on lip reading common phrases she is familiar with. She "hears" the words in her head.
She has become a fantastic lip reader. When she is given familiar phrases used in the proper context, we are able to communicate with her extremely well without her processors on.
However, if we were to try to use a phrase she is not very familiar with or one that would not make sense in the context, she would not be as successful in understanding us.
I hope that helps clarify the post. Like many parents of CI Kids, I tend to emphasize successes. But I didn't want anyone to think I had convinced myself Erin could now "hear". ;)
6 comments:
What a sweet little face! She is just beautiful, Wendy!
Oh my, what a gorgeous girl you have!
Carys communicates very well in the tub or the swimming pool without her processor. She takes swimming lessons (with Daddy) every week and follows along with the class without any problems. She definitely lip reads and talks to us even without hearing us. I do think she may get frustrated as she gets older, and I plan to revisit signing then(she's stopped using most of her signs at this point). Interesting to read your experiences with Toes!
I am betting that Toes turns some heads with that sweet face and those curls! Oh I envy you that vacation :-)
Oh golly, she looks like she is having so much fun!! I use to kill my digital hearing aids with sweat from working out and I am still so leery with working out with my CI. So far so good, but I won't run into a pool anytime soon!
My parents want to take us on a Disney vacation when the boys are about 3 and 5... I can't wait! Esp. since they want to pay for it (lol). Where did you stay? They're thinking about Port Orleans... though it's still about 2 1/2 years away. Never too early to start planning, I guess!
We are also not testing the "splash-provability" of the CI... but still.. Have a look here....,
Lotte swimming with a CI on..:!
It's great, and it works!
(http://lotte-sofie.blogspot.com/2008/04/swimming-with-ci-why-not.html)
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