Hope for the Deaf/Hoh

[wendybeth]

As the parent of a hearing impaired kiddo, I hold out hopes that one day her hearing may be restored. For sometime now, I've been following the research being done to repair damaged cochlear hair cells, and today got some very good news: Hearing restoration (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4496213) .

The article in our local newspaper was a bit more informative, and indicated that human trials are about a decade away. Still, the Girl may be able to have her hearing loss corrected by the time she is in college- too cool!:snap::)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

The article in our local newspaper was a bit more informative, and indicated that human trials are about a decade away. Still, the Girl may be able to have her hearing loss corrected by the time she is in college- too cool!:snap::)

Wow, what a life change that will be for her, I imagine. Very crazy cool, this news! I really hope that this happens for her.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Here's hoping. What an amazing day that would be. :)

[wendybeth]

Thanks- it is exciting news for us! This is one of the many things that make the choice of getting a cochlear implant so hard for families, because the implant process destroys the cochlea. However, in many of these cases, the kids have had meningitis, which often causes the cochlea to ossify (harden) within a few months post illness, so they have to move fast if they are going to do it at all. Then, you have the limited time frame to teach speech as well- most kids speech centers start to shut down by age nine. It's a tough choice, and one I'm grateful we never had to make.

[cirquelover]

That is amazing news! There have been some amazing breakthroughs lately for hearing and ear reconstruction. I hope they continue with the wonderful advancements.

We also follow this type of news closely. Hopefully someday they can help our kids.

Thanks Wendy!

[MerryPrankster]

Hope this comes to fruition in the near future. What an awesome gift that would be! :)

[AllyOops!]

With a heart full of Prayers & crossed fingers I hope upon hope that this wonderful news happens soon for your daughter, Wendybeth! And for all of those that suffer from hearing impairment!

News like that puts such a smile on my face and joy in my heart! :)

[CoasterMatt]

Absolutely awesome stuff.