Unit 0 (Intro to online learning) 8/27-9/3

Over the course of the semester, we will be sharing a learning experience. Every week, we will investigate a different aspect of deafness through the eyes of a family with a deaf child. You will take on the perspective of the parents as we explore this journey from birth through adulthood.

Each week, we will continue on the journey as it relates to the unit topic. We will use this family experience as a starting point from which we will relate all of the readings, discussions, and assignments for the course. Enjoy your journey!

Unit 1 (parents and families) 9/4-9/10

Finally! After nine long months of waiting your beautiful baby boy has arrived. As you sit in the hospital, you are filled with relief as you gaze down at his sleepy face. He's perfect. His body is shaped just right, with 10 tiny fingers and 10 tiny toes. He's already starting to eat well, and settles down easily when you hold him close. Everything is right with the world.

During your hospital stay, the nurse takes him out of the room to do some routine testing. He will be in the nursery for a couple of hours while they draw some blood, give him a Hepatitis vaccine, fill out the PKU test card, perform a hearing screening, and take his picture. The nurse reassures you that he'll come back when he's hungry, and whisks him away in his little cart. You sigh with relief and snuggle down for a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep - possibly the last for the next several months!

When the nurse brings him back, you finally decide on a name, Joseph. He seems so small for such a big name that you begin calling him Joey right away.

**

After a couple days in the hospital, you are all anxious to get home where you can be comfortable. The nurse comes in to go over your information and answer any questions before you venture out into the wide world of parenthood. She gives you the PKU card, and reminds you that the doctor will do a second screening at your visit in a couple of weeks. You sign the forms to get a birth certificate and social security card. You're gathering up all your papers and personal belongings when she mentions the hearing screening.

"You'll need to see an audiologist about the hearing screening because Joey failed the screen. This happens all the time, it's nothing to worry about. Sometimes babies fail because they have mucous in their ears, or because they were just too sleepy. You can go to the clinic in a few weeks and they'll do the screening again. Just make sure you discuss this with you're pediatrician; everything should be just fine. Most of the time the test is wrong, so don't worry. Someone will probably call you in a couple of days."

You look down at Joey. He seems okay. Why would he fail the hearing screening? There is no history of hearing loss in your family, except your Aunt Trudy who is 80 years old. Reassured by the nurse's comments, you decide not to worry. The test must just be wrong. After all, he looks so perfect.

**

After enjoying a few days in the comfort of your own home, the audiologist from the clinic calls to schedule a follow-up appointment. He asks you to bring Joey in while he's sleeping, because they will be doing an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test to find out exactly what Joey is able to hear. You take Joey in the next day.

After the testing, the audiologist asks you to step into his office. He explains that Joey does have a hearing loss, and that it is actually quite severe. He pulls out a piece of paper with a chart on it, and explains that Joey has a 70-decibel loss in the left ear, sloping down to 90 in the high frequencies. The right ear is a little worse, with 80 decibels sloping to 110. After explaining the hearing loss, the audiologist tells you that you will want to have hearing aids to help Joey hear better. You make an appointment to see him again in two months. He asks if you have any questions before you leave. Bewildered, you don't know what to ask. You thank the audiologist, and go home.

**

Unit 2 (early intervention) 9/11-17

The phone rings.

"Hello! My name is Louise, and I'm calling from the child find program in your state. I've received information that your new baby, Joey, has a hearing loss, and I'd like to talk to you about some services that are available for you. Can we schedule an appointment so that I can come over and meet with you?"

"Um, yeah. Okay. We took our son Joey to the audiologist last week, and they said he had a severe hearing loss. He asked if we had any questions, but we didn't really know what to ask. Now we've been looking on the Internet to learn more and we have a million questions. We're supposed to see him again in about six weeks. Are you an audiologist?"

"No, I'm an educator. My job title is parent advisor. I will be able to answer your questions, or point you in the right direction at least. Is there a time this week when the whole family will be available to meet with me? I can tell you more about the child find program and answer any questions you have."

"We haven't been out much, what with a new baby in the house and all. Any day after about 5:30 we will all be home. How about Thursday?"

"Sounds great! I'll come over Thursday night, around 5:45. I will probably stay about an hour this time, then we can make more appointments for the future depending on what you need."

"Okay, thanks. We'll see you on Thursday. What did you say your name was again?"

"It's Louise, and I'm happy to meet you."

"Bye Louise, see you Thursday."

"Bye."

**