MP3..IPOD..a new era of hearing loss?

I came across this article about this.  I was worried about the younger generation using those devices and I know I often fought with my daughter not to have it too loud! either way, using her headphones or speakers. It seems that the louder the better..why?  For me as a hearing loss person, I find it is hard to understand the words when its too "loud" so how do they do that?   I have been pretty good in making sure my daughter's ears are protected for years.  Toys that are taped over to muffled the loudness, headphone with volume controls, and more likely, keep it to the comfort level or turn it off.  Events that we go, I always make sure that we have an ear muff or ear plugs for my daughter when she was young.   and NOW she is following her peers..thus LOUD is better.  Here's an article for more awareness...



MP3-Induced Hearing Loss is a Growing Problem in the United States

Written by: John O’Connor

I am very passionate about hearing loss because my father and grandfathers are affected by it.  I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to try and spread awareness.  You can find me at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com, Enjoy!

Noise-induced and MP3-induced hearing loss is becoming more of a problem in adolescents. Because of the epidemic, healthcare professionals are looking for ways to prevent hearing loss due to external factors. Many studies have been dedicated to MP3-induced hearing loss. The Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics has studied this type of hearing loss extensively to devise a strategy to do something about this epidemic.

About the MP3-Induced Hearing Loss Study

Experts have found that exposure to high sound levels from portable MP3 levels can increase the risk for distortion in hearing, hyperacusis, tinnitus or threshold shifts. Hearing loss affects all types of people. Even college graduates are affected by hearing loss due to MP3 levels. According to the Hearing Alliance of America, 15 percent of college graduates have a hearing loss problem that is equal to or greater than the hearing levels of their parents. High volume music is the cause of most of their problem.

Experts are in the process of devising effective prevention strategies to help people have safe listening experiences and protect their hearing health. Even though a strategy has not been devised, experts fully expect the education portion will include healthy listening levels and rules that protect adolescents from harmful exposure. Many experts and audiologists suggest the use of a hearing aid if hearing loss is severe in order to regain some functionality.

The problem with imposing regulations is that many adolescents will not adhere to the rules and regulations. Healthcare professionals cannot prevent hearing loss without help. Parents and other authority figures must get involved to stop MP3-induced hearing loss.

Who is At-Risk and What Can Be Done About It?

Though adolescents have the highest level of MP3-induced hearing loss, they are not the only people at-risk. Anyone who listens to MP3s loudly will be at risk for hearing loss. “Too loud” is defined as any sounds over 85 decibels. Meters can be used to measure sound levels and determine if the noise levels are too loud.

Sounds can be measured on a scale from zero to 140. Normal conversation is 60 dBA. Music at 80 decibels can be listened to for 40 hours per week without causing damage. Music at 89 decibels can only be listened to for five hours per week.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious condition. There are 22 million American adults between the ages of 20 and 69 that have permanent hearing loss from noises over 80 dBA. Musicians and adults must be careful to monitor their listening levels to avoid premature hearing loss.

Adolescents must keep their volumes of their headphones at an appropriate level to avoid permanent hearing loss. Noise-limiting headphones are a wise investment. In addition, their diets must be fortified with vitamin A, B, C, D, E and manganese to build a healthy immune system that can fight hearing loss. These vitamins will help to fight free radicals in the body that may be responsible for hearing loss.

Turn The Music Down and Protect Your Health

Turn the music down and protect your hearing health. Kids can lose their hearing by listening to loud music. Ensure all music levels are 80 dBA or below and remain safe.

interesting..

This week and past week has been very interesting..Cory has been using his voice a lot more and has willing to go to preschool.  Sean watched him from a distance, Cory has been playing and socializing with other kids.  I know why...  Before Christmas holidays, he has been refusing to go to preschool and has been a miserable little ...it could be several factors like, "Christmas" , feeling overwhelming (time for a break), he wasn't happy about doing the Christmas Concert so that's where it kinda of all start.   and you know we lost the one to one worker for him this year.  They just decided to not continue with it for this school term.  (read my previous blog) and then he was down swirling from there and it was becoming a behaviour issues with him at school.   Not listening, uncooperative, yelling, hitting, grabbing, not sharing etc.  everything I can think of.   I'm sitting there and has been thinking for the past month.  Is it time to pull him out?   Maybe he is trying to tell me something..he told me that he doesn't like it there anymore.   and the last straw was that Christmas party there, he was crying and whining the whole time.  I thought ok that is it.  I was so ready to pull him out and start at BCF from there on.  He loves it there.   I think he feels safe and some sort of security there and the supports he can get from there.  So over the holidays, I have made several phone calls trying to find a different preschool for him. More of a Specialized preschool that ratio is smaller and teachers that have Special Needs licensing and there has to be more support for him with his needs.  nothing..no luck.   I have never been so frustrated in my life trying to find this placement for Cory.  I hope other parents will NOT have that problem.  I had to keep fighting for him    So here we are back to school, again, we try to get back to routine as it was and Cory has been ok so far.  PLUS, he has been using his voice so much that the teachers are noticing a big difference and a lot of interactions.  I'm like duh...think about it.   why this has happens? I SPENT hours of time with him over the holidays and we did a lot of interactions. (it's almost like one to one stimulation) so you can see why he needs that???? so we did a lot of stuff at home, I have been acting like his one to one , telling him this and that, play games, we did role playing, we did a lot of language interactions (and CA too) Sean has been working on his speech as well, more than he did before.  and look how much Cory has picked up on that for past two weeks over the holidays.   That's why he needs a one to one so he can get the stimulation he needs!! I was hoping that he would get that NOW so hopefully then he won't need it when he goes to school full time next year.  

Kindergarten or not? to hold back or not that is the question..

I am a preschool (ECE teacher) for almost 20 years, and my experiences tell me that it is difficult to make a decision as a parent what we want the best for our child.  Cory is at this level where we realized that he is not ready for "mainstream" approach at our local school.  He is approaching age-appropriate all area of developments except for speech.  We don't want just put him in Kindergarten at Carrie-Anne's school and then do "wait and see"...I am afraid that might be setting him up for fail.  I did thought about him going for another year of preschool but I know too well how school's protocol works.
Ideally, anyone who withheld their child from going to Kindergarten, (for another year of preschool,) the school district will AUTOMATICALLY put them straight to grade one without a question! then you're stuck with negotiations, and trying to push for going to K instead etc will be a long battle.  Its just that they are pretty firm with age - year following levels.  From my experience, it's BETTER for Cory (or any other kids) to go ahead to Kindergarten whether they are not "ready" or not.  The school can START their own evaluations or assessments during that time, and if there is any concerns they can work on it during that time.  Rather than delay when the child is in grade one..you would have to wait another year...which its not good in my experience to delay any further.  The early intervention, the better, so therefore don't want delay Cory's needs by holding him back.  The school has a different procedures, policies, its a whole new ballpark and they prefer to do their own thing.  When it's a better time to do it? Kindergarten or grade one..it's not hard to figure that out.   If then, Cory needs to repeat Kindergarten, fine by with me.  Its better that way.   I know I want him to attend another year of preschool, because it's feeling safe and not wanting to let go in that scary new world out there and I want him to catch up.
But I do have to let him go and let the nature take course with the school district. the sooner the better.  They can work with him and if needed, they will help and get the resources we need.  It's better now, not wait until grade 1.  I am also afraid if I held him back, then in following year, they will put him straight to grade 1, not Kindergarten!  That happened to many kids, I heard.  Some districts are strict with that.  Don't want to take that chance.  
Look like we need to find a resource type of school for him so he can get the resources he needs to work on, rather than our local area school.   In few years, maybe he will be ready to attend Carrie-Anne's school some day.   It is our jobs to help and work with Cory for few more years.

Deaf kid vs Christmas concert? do they really work?

You and I both know that any young deaf kids and music concert doesn't go together!  I noticed that Cory is practicing..ah..(really?) singing the Christmas music at his preschool.  NOT really.  He was actually goofing off and yelling "non words" and so on.  No one is helping him or given him any guidelines..
That is sad. Really...what are they thinking??? I don't get it.  Why didn't they ask me about it?  Why didn't they ask about signing few words for that?   It makes me little mad in sense that they are not really thinking it through.  What about Cory?  mmmm?  I have to decide whether to let him participate or not.  Really..I'm leaning toward not.  its NOT worth it.  He is only 2 years old into "hearing" world, so would you do a music concert with bunch of 2 years old???  I didn't think so.  The expectations is too high for him right now.    I did thought of asking them for some songs that Cory and I can practice together but we don't know the "tune" so how do we practice without others? 
One thing, though, I am not letting him do this so he wouldnt be able to do this.  It's bit embarrassing, I am not sure if he would feel ashamed or feel bad about it.   Again, this is from my own personal experiences, I did some music concerts with my hearing friends at elementary school.  I tell you, I HATE it and it was awful for me.  It took a lot of strong wills not to burst in tears during the concert.  I know that eventually, Cory will be able to singing in those such things but not right now.
Rather than give it up.  I will ask the teacher for song sheets and try to go through with it by using signing supports and key words.  Cory still can practice with his friends but ultimately, he will decide whether he want to join the concert. I will let him decide that.

Halloween!

Non stop chatting about Halloween for the last 2 weeks..I'm so sick of it and I had to put decorations away TODAY! Cory keeps thinking it's gonna last...NOT!

SO we had a lot of fun..I think it is really neat having a deaf kid when having to share so much information and using sign languages as part of expressions.  We had barrel of laughs..Cory isn't afraid of Halloween as much he did in the last 2 years.  So talking about it more and having fun with it, really helps!  I think I didn't do enough last year because I was too "careful" not to scare him and only try to focus few things at a time. But this year, I just went all the way!  We watched "The Monster House" movie.." and he loves it!  We held off not taking him to haunted house or Stanley Park Train Ride, how much is too much? eh?  Well, one night, I was taking 8 girls to the Potter's House of Horrors and Cory was extremely upset that he is not going.  I had to tell him that it's too scary for him and so on.  He wouldn't accept it.  He practicially GLUED on me when I tried to leave.  Bawling his eyes.."Mommmy..I wanna go! I like scary!! " lol.  Really??? it was hard to say.   We did thought of going to the Bear Creek one in next few days if we have time!   It wasn't part of the plan for the weekend but after that with Cory..we thought we should. But we never had a chance to.  :((  too busy!   He seems to forgotten about it..
but for sure, we'll go next year!  Can't wait!
I did played a prank using a big knife, fake blood, bloody kitchen floor and my hand...
Didn't work on CA..she was like "seriously, mom?  really! JEEZ!"  and as for Cory, his eyes grew bigger and his jaw dropped, then he said "are you ok, mom?"  like he feels bad for me.  oh brother! I caved in.
Photos of Happy Halloween!
We did ran into bit of Cory's stubbornness!  HE didn't want to wear his CIs while trick or treating..I thought of safety issues, that he should , because it is bit of overwhelming event.  Should hear cars, people running up to him so he is not "surprised" or hear Halloween things etc..so he is knowing what is going on and get used to different sounds etc.  (we did played Halloween scary sounds on my CD player at home ..) we would guess what it was..he loves it!!!  So he said he doesn't want to.  Didn't say why or what..I told him that he can't go trick or treating without his CI.  He didn't have to wear both.  and He flat out refused.  I think this is the first time I had to stand firm which it kinda of go against my beliefs...by forcing him to wear it for safety reasons.   I did thought maybe he didn't want to wear it because it scared him etc. but that is not the case.  so just no reasons.  He was just being stubborn or couldn't tell me why.   Most of the times, he would tell me why..but this is one of those thing.  so finally, he did wear it and no troubles at all.  I guess I will never know...

 

Future Star

Cory has been playing Future stars soccer league for past month.  It was hard at first because it is bit distracting and out on field, so much going around.  He didn't really follow directions etc..so of course, I had to step in as "mommy's role" the "interpreter!!! so it began..I had to help him to interpreter what the coach say and what are the tasks he has to do etc.  Coach asked questions about certain things..and I know it's a bit of far reach for Cory to understand but I would tell him anyway.  He is really watching me and try to follow through.  Thank god for sign language because it is all "gestures" with soccer tasks and I can't imagine using verbal through that instructional time!  I didn't do it at first time, we went because Sean was on the field with him while I was on the bench.  and Cory was all over the place and not doing any instructional tasks.  So we talked about it when we got home and I think Sean was bit disappointed because it was gonna be "daddy and me" soccer stuff for him to bond with Cory.  But Sean doesn't have enough sign language skills to tell him or what to do in terms of soccer "instructional" tasks.   So now I have to step in and try to work with Cory.  It made a huge difference!   And of course, I had to be a "bigger" advocacy for Cory to help with coach how to use more hand signals and gestures for certain times so Cory can pick up cues and start practicing with the team.   It is great to have people who are willing to do that.  I know there has been a time or two that I had not so GREAT people in my life who refused to change or help me out because of my hearing loss.  but that is life!
Will have to post pictures soon with his soccer team..

"Deaf" Identity

By posting this blog, I know I'm gonna be opening a can of worms..but this is my son's rights.   

wow..I already suspected it before but from what Cory tells me, confirmed it.   We have been so busy in past month getting into the routines with school and all.   He starts at The Biggest Little Preschool three times a week (MWF).  He keeps asking about "other" school and I just tell him, have to wait.  And recently, he said to me "I want my deaf friends".  He doesn't care where he go, he just missed his "deaf" friends like him.   wow.  At this early age, he is able to know the difference and have his own identity.  I already knew that last Spring but actually hear him saying that now.  I was at recently gathering with some of the moms who have children with CI, and they were very interested in deaf community but they all had a bad "experience" with a deaf person or at an event or experience individually.   They were "shunned" for having a CI kid...from the deaf community so that's what they feel.  It's more common than I thought..

With recent events, and gatherings that we went to..it was pretty dishearting to hear and see that.  Even that my son saw their "reactions" when they noticed his CI.  Poor little guy, here he is thinking..what's wrong with me?   IF you pull that aside for a minute, you will see what a sweet little boy he is, and very animated with sign language and facial expressions, lots of gestures and his love for "language"..then you would think twice about his CI.

Ever since..now I'm sitting there and thinking.."what IS wrong with you??!!!!" toward the deaf community..if you continue this "attitude" and "behaviours" toward families with CI..YOUR deaf community will get SMALLER and SMALLER.  I don't know why they don't GET it..a lot of families that I work with, they tell me that they are interested in learning about sign language and deaf community, they do get the glimpse of having a "deaf child's identity". So therefore, believe it or not they DO went out to explore it but get nothing but bad results in an instant.

Yes, a lot of families with young children already have CI at very early age, there is NOTHING we can do but be supportive and educate them the importance of providing LANGUAGE and give them a chance to learn all aspects of communication DURING their early years.  I have worked with many families in early years and they DID and have show interests in sign language regardless if their child have CI or not, all I had to do is to show a path in finding a positive enriched experience to help and learn more about sign language and deaf community.
BUT, of course, we do have to support their choices at the end, whether they do or do not choose sign language but at least give them credits for trying and exploring all aspects of communication.  can't do it if their attitude don't "change" or if they keep shutting out families like that..just because of CI?  are you serious? are you kidding me????!!!    I will continue to fight this, when I SHOULDn't have to fight this.   MY SON have CI and he is DEAF, whether you like it or not.   BRING it on, I say.

My little fish!

It's official.  He is now swimming like a little fish in the big pond (pool)..unfortunately, it's almost at the end of the summer.  Oh well..I look forward to NEXT summer, NOT having to go in the pool with him all the times now.  (doing the happy dances...)   I don't care much for swimming..unless its on a HOT day..just a quick dip or two.  I had to laugh..at the beginning of the summer. We made a mistake of letting him wear his swim suit with floater inside..for safety reasons.  You know how busy he is and get into mischief?  so after swimming lessons in Spring, he was starting to swim and back and forth.  Then two weeks later, we start our summer at BBay and been to the pool daily.  Because he can't really hear me without his CI, so I can't run fast enough to catch him in case, he jumps in big pool.  He is quite stubborn that way.  so I realized that one day after a week and half of pool time, we decided to take off the floater and let him practice with us in pool.  He sank like a ship!  oy oy..and we thought oh boy..we need to practice bit.  He would be screaming and crying..so we put him on the edge for timeout.   He was so stubborn.  He doesn't want to practice his skills as taught from his swim class..I thought  no way.  we came that far, we need to continue.  You know how Cory knows how to be a "drama" queen especially when there's an "audience"?  he would screamed and cried on top of his lungs.  Yes, we were embarrassed by that but he was placed in time out until he is ready to try again.  I told him just practice three things for 15 minutes then you can go play.   NOPE he doesn't want to!   it is quite cute to see him sitting there with eye crossed and arms crossed and glared at us.  So we just ignored him and swim away for bit..then after 5 minutes of TO, we try again.  He would screamed again.  TO again!  I thought wow..that kid is really testing us.   We did told him BEFORE going swimming that he has to practice bit, even we asked CA to do the same so she did her "part".  It didn't take her long to finish.   so again, 5 minutes, same thing, over and over.  TO, try again, he said no don't want to. Then I told him when you're ready..let me know.  He sat there glaring at me.  Its almost like I want to give up but Sean said don't give in..he is so good at that.  30 minutes..it was time to go. oh well.  Swimming is over.  Then of course, Cory wants to practice and try again.  it was too late.  The pool closed for adults only.   Of course, he got upset and I said well..you were being stubborn.  You want to swim, then you have to practice.  The "floater" is forever banned now.   Then the next day..it was much better, he accepted it but was pretty much useless unlike he did at the swim class.  wow..so we did it everyday..before go "play" we practice for 15 minutes top.  His confidence really builds up then, shortly then he was pretty much jumping off the edge like crazy.  (he was scared before) and then just last week of August.  He just literally started going from his own now.  He jumped off and swim back to edge.  He swam to the bottom and touch it or retrieved a toy.  He goes from me to Sean or pretty much just on his own.  One lady from BBay is pretty impressed, she said she remembered him in July , screaming and crying with swimming and now look at him.  

One thing that made the difference is the new goggle that I got from Costco..it really helps as well.  We didn't have it until mid August. 
 I love the new swim cap he have now...I have to take a photo of it.  IT is SO MUCH BETTER than Swim cap (rubbery kind?)  It keeps the CI in place..I'm not saying that we use it in the pool.

On the lighter side...only one CI.

You know that Cory has BI-CI;s.   (two Cochlear Implants) , well..I don't know if this is lazy part of me but in the summer, he only wore one (his preferred 1st) most of the time now.  We did try few times to get him to wear both but we often had to take it off too many times because of bike helmet, swimming, beach and even rough playing.  It ends up in my pocket but I did lost it once because I threw it away by accident! oy!  I must have thought it was something else..found it in the garbage.   Not good..I realized that it's best to keep them in dryer jar and try again when school starts.  We have been home for few days and we have been prompting him to wear both now. Pool and Beach days are over..but he has been resisting it.  ugh.   It would tell me that he doesn't need it.   I try to ask why..he hasn't given me any answer.  He would just run away.   I don't know if this is going to be a problem...

wow..what a summer!

I can't tell you what we did..too much to mention!!  In a nutshell, we spent most of our summer at Birch Bay!! Cory made some friends and he has been pretty much on his own but yes..he is still up to mischief.  but that's normal, all boys do.   The highlights are using his speech more and talking, but he still talk in "ASL" sentences.  LOL.   I am a poor example for him because I don't use "a" "the" "is" etc while signing.   It is hard to sign and talk EXACT English at the same time.  OY!  But I decided to leave that for others, it's not gonna be me.   Cory and I have a mutual agreement with that anyway!    My parents has been working with him and using their voices.  They figured out real quick that he understands more than most people think..(I already knew that..he is a smart cookie that way!!) He would pretend that he didn't get it.  But when being told at first, he ignored us...then I just started to count 1, 2, ..and he took off running and do what he is suppose to do.   My parents were pretty impressed!  They have been trying to encouraging me to get CI too, I knew that day will come.   How could you NOT be impress with this "result" ?   I had to explain all the Pros and Cons, and seriously, I would love to get one without ANY of  these complications!!  It's not an easy decision nor an easy thing to do!  I have to admit..I am curious about it.   I know I won't meet the criticias of getting one...unless my hearing's decreased and hearing aids eventually doesn't work for me anymore.  THEN I will get one. 
Moving on..
Summer at Birch Bay, Cory was more involved in events that we were able to have him to try out, Sports Day, Kids' Day at the Pool, Discovery Day Parade, Fireworks (USA birthday) etc...
He has moved on to the BIGGER bike now..and has been doing few "tricks" which I can't watch!! He is a daredevil and has NO fear!  oy.   I love that little ramp, we found in the dumpster for bike or skateboard, Sean said to me..if Cory get seriously hurt, he will be very upset.   Naturally, we put it on the grass, and told him to use his little bike for that.  First time, he just went over, very s l o w l y.   Noooo, that's not the way to do it.   Told him that he has to go faster and jump over it...so he took a long way back and start pedalling down.  Then closer, closer and hahahahaha!!! He went right around it!  we had a good laugh with that one.
Few weeks ago..it has been constantly on the run with him, he wants to go to the park, then bike rides, then play in field, play soccer, play ball, etc.  I get tired and do want to take a break.  There was this book from library and it was due in two days. I had to finish it.  Cory wants to play basketball at the park. I'm like groannnnnnnnnn..look I'm gonna stay here and read this book.  He said ok..you stay mom. I'll go and come back in 15 minutes.   Sure, why not? it's not far. 5 mins walk just around the bend.     My mom came by..looked around "where is Cory?"  I was still reading and replied "at the park".   My mom gave me a puzzled look and left.   Sean came back from biking.  "where is Cory?"  I said the same thing.   Sean was like ????   Cory said he will be back in 15 minutes..it has been 10 minutes.   Sean gave me this "look"...  I continued reading...
Sean said ok..I'll wait about 5 minutes then I'll check on him.   But sure enough, he came back..15 minutes on dot!  I just burst laughing...holy cow!!    He is a smart one...
I found out later, as we were walking around the park.  Several people have been telling us that they noticed that Cory was on his "own" and they were wondering where I was and kept an "eye" on him...I'm sure my face was bright red!   But were impressed that he was fine on his own and came back home shortly after.   They weren't sure if he was lost or something. 
More to tell later...
Got to run.  Happy September!!! Glad to be home..it was bittersweet!

Fast Learner..

We tried before..but he didn't have that concept..but for the past week, the girls (CA and her friends has been using it) Cory just watched them doing it..and finally he tried it yesterday and did it!! He is a natural and fast learner..among with everything else!  Other day, he came down and he already put together his CI, taking it out of battery charger, put it together, screwed it on and put it on all by himself!  I was like ????? wow.  I will try to videotaped that! We showed it once to him about 1 month ago but I realized that he is still too young because he kept on pushing all the buttons and it just changed the program etc.http://youtu.be/lbuhoNmQtss   

2nd Cochlear Implant user after 6 months switched on..

It has been bit over a year since his second implant, I finally found this video and got it up load onto this.  So this is very good results for him for being able to hear with the second one ONLY.  At to THIS date, he is hearing the SAME as his first one and is doing very well.  http://youtu.be/0s6TpFiMYEc
See the video yourself!

Good Bye Mrs. Mandy & Mrs. Margaret & Miss Lacey! (at Cory's community preschool)

 This is Margaret and Mandy.  (Don't know the other little boy..but he wants to be in the picture too!)

His one to one Support Worker; Miss Lacey. We were blessed to have her!

I don't think it has "hit" Cory's yet...today it is his last day of school.  He saw all the little gifts for teachers today and said "Teachers' birthdays!!"  I tried to explain to him that its a good-bye gifts for them and it's last day...I'm not sure if he gets it!   But you can see how he watched today with everything unfolds, kids saying good byes to teachers, taking pictures and they gave Cory's a little present.  It should be interesting how he reacts by next week, he knows today is "Thursday" and there is no school typically until Monday.  I had to do the "calendar" today and I didn't put the picture of schools in it for next week..so we'll see how things go with using the calender system for Cory.  I'm trying to put in as much as I can for July and August with our plans so he can see it's summer. And show him that school starts again in Sept...

SPORTS DAY AT VANCOUVER PRESCHOOL

It was nice to see a group of kids with hearing loss for Cory to have.   We had a family picnic day there and it was not too bad!  I did expect more parents to come but maybe it's the weather. It was kinda of bit cold but dry!   The funny thing is after two hours, I was shivering and couldn't wait to get into the truck and had my heat on full blast!  Then when we reach Cloverdale on the way home, it was 10 degree warmer than Vancouver!!!! No wonder, we didn't really prepared for this weather out there! 

He passed another swimming class!

Well, it has only been a month since he passed first level of preschool and now he passed 2nd one into level 3!  I can't help wondering if it is because of wearing his CI in the water really helps him move along faster and really do the tasks that he was told to?   who knows? but I know I won't be allowing him to wear it in Preschool 3..because that is where he will be submerging the water more now and "actually" swimming on his own.   Yes I have been using ziplog mini snack bag AND swim cap! And afterward, I always check to see if any water have come in..nothing.   Part of the reason is that Cory hasn't really submerge and stay there , he just go and come up fast. 
There is one time that I forgot his cap and he didn't wear the CI during lesson time, he was really distracted and wasn't following through the class.  So it really does makes a difference!!!!  When we are at our pool over the weekend, Cory doesn't use his CI but we forget that he doesn't have it on! ugh. We tried to call him or talk to him etc..but end up chasing him or walking over to get his attention!  So much for relaxing with a book over the summer by the pool!..(not that I was gonna completely ignore him and get too involved with a book)   But I have to put the book down several times and walk over or wave my arms to get his attention!  Thank god, I can sign with him to tell him "not to do that" if he get into mischief or be able to communicate with him without his CI!  I can't imagine for other CI kids not knowing sign languages during those times! Summer fun is all about water play, beach, pool and sprinklers! 

Monkey see, Monkey do..found a way to keep him out of mischief!

He loves to help around the house..so if I'm vaccuuming, I would let him take a turn..he loves it.   He would help me washes the dishes..(why couldn't my daughter do that????)  He would take the clothes out of dryer, pick up weeds, sweep the deck and so on.   No it's not perfect but it's better than nothing! and I find that he is not so mischievous these days.   He wants to do what daddy is doing..so one Saturday morning.  Sean was shaving..and I thought it would be great to take out his shaving kit that he got for Christmas!  It was so cute~
The downside is..he is bit too helpful though, he would go ahead and help himself certain tasks when it's not time to do it or go into cupboards that it's not safe for him to go help himself. 
Like the RAID can..other day, I found bunch of baby spiders in front entrance, I had to get rid of them because I do not want webs all over the front door.  So I got a can of RAID to kill them.  AND Cory wants to try it and I said no. It's not safe for you .  Don't touch.  So I put it up on shelf for the time being..and sure enough, he climbed up and took it and he literally SPRAYED himself in the face! It was so close , narrowly missed his eyes !!  He was so surprised and really didn't like the taste and the smell of it.  He was screaming and crying..I told him that is poison, it kills bugs that we don't want.  At least, he is still alive..lol.  

Hands and Voice Picnic 2011

We really enjoyed the gathering on Saturday..for the first time, I was feeling at content where and who we are..no specific communication method nor feeling bias..  it was nice to see everyone accepting everyone who they are.   This is type of organization we need to have for parents of hearing loss kid. (without feeling so separate from one type of communication method to another or specific gathering of organization.)  Although, we are lucky to have Cory's ability to use his voice and sign as well.
The weather was good to us..the rain held out for us so we were able to play in park.  There was potluck, games, crafts, balloon makings, face painting and such.   I was fortunate enough to meet other families, especially with finding a friend for Cory with same age!!!  For the last two years, we weren't able to find one for him ..it was either one year too old, or one year too young!  And this family lives in Cloverdale!! Not too far from us.  I hope that the boys will go to same school together..but wait and see.   It's only another year anyway..a lot can happen.

We're back!!!!!!

Sean and I went on a cruise this past week. It was great! I have to admit it was hard for me to go ..but no regrets!  We noticed a big difference in Cory's speech lately since we got home.  Did my parents work hard with that?  I have no idea..we haven't had a chance to talk to them.  We got home late Sunday night...they were rushing out.  So overall, they said the kids has been great!  CA tells me otherwise..few things ..this and that.  no biggie.  I'm pleased to hear that he does get mischievous and has few temper tantrums with them.   hee hee..I know I'm bad..but at least it's good to know that I'm not alone.   Yesterday and today..there were alot of testings.  I just ignored him or throw him outside to let the "wild" side out of him literally.  I love that today we had to go to library to drop off the books. (he was upset that he didn't go to preschool today..due to his coughs).  I told him that we have to use our "inside voice" concept so he knows that its outside if he was too loud.  The minute I said that..he starts yelling..oy!!!  Of course, I had no choice to take him outside!!  But then I noticed he didn't get upset or start getting mad.   little bugger! I'm sorry I had to say that!    He did it so he doesn't want to go to library.   grrr.  he is getting smarter and I'm gonna have to be smarter!!
I gave him a choice ..you can go sit in the car or come in with me to find some books. He chose to sit in the car.  (good grief! I didn't think he would say that!)  so I had to be more clever...I'm standing there for few minutes trying to think of something to say. He was staring at me and waiting.  it was bit uncanny like what's mommy is gonna do now? heh heh.  I really want to get some books..
Anyone? any bright ideas?  I sat him down on the bench near adult books and said NOTHING.  I just literally grabbed a few.   (later I got home..thinking my choices aren't that great.)

Laugh of the day..we pulled into gas station.  I told him that the truck needs some gas.  He said "truck's thirsty?"

Good to be back...

He has to be "HEARD"!

Good grief!! I don't know if this is normal or not..(or rather a common occurrance) with deaf kids using their verbal voices at all times!   It has been driving me crazy lately..I had to keep telling myself..its a phase and he is just experimenting his voice.    It was cute at first, two months ago..but now it has increase to non stop..non chatting, screaming, at all times! I kid you not!   I miss the quietness of my home these days.  Yes I can turn off my hearing aids if I had to..which I do sometimes but guess what..I missed the door bells or phone calls because of that!   I then thought..ok..that is enough! He is being louder than he should..   I could hear him from upstairs!  so that's how loud he is these days..all the times.   CA is getting fed up too..she keep telling him to be quiet or stop it.   She would be doing her homework or try to read a book or doing piano lessons.  He just kept going on and on..
Funny, I found in facebook, a group of parents with kids who have CI, one particular mom has concerns about her son who is constantly verbal at all times especially in school! He is grade 1 and it is really disrupting the class and teacher has to tell him to be quiet at all times.  A warning bell just went off my head..and I thought I should watch him at school to see if that is what is happening.   It has been happening and I couldn't believe it!   They really need to nip in the bud with him with those distracting noise during circle or story time etc.   One teacher was saying that he is just experiencing his voice and she didn't want to disencourage that.   I'm like ?!?!?..but it's not right and it's not fair to other students.  She would tell them to be quiet during those times so why is Cory any different??  I do NOT want him to be treated different!
Here are the examples..during snack time, Teacher would ask kids different questions like "what do I need for?  what color cup do you want? "  Cory would be going "hoot hoot" making face expression to a boy beside him.   Then if a girl answered a question, Cory would yelled out " the answer" to copy (more of annoying thing ) with silly face.    (like mocking her)   He does that to his sister CA too with everything she say.  Its not funny anymore.   Sean would say under his breath.."what a moron!"  but it came to a point..enough is enough. 
I remember when I was teaching...There is a particular girl with a particular behaviour she does.  I thought it was so cute when she does that..and she does that a lot.  Until her mom told us its not cute anymore.  I'm thinking..huh?  She said with kids..sometimes they don't understand that is not how we behaves in general so they keep doing it and again and again.   It would be hard habit to break when they get older.  She even said to me "yes its cute when she does this now..but it won't be cute when she is 8 years old".   That really does it for me.  She has a point.  Sometimes we, as a parent, know when it is enough and we have to use our judgement whether we need to do or not.  
so for the last two days...I have been working on it.  I try to modelling it the difference between using nice quieter voice or really loud NOT appropriate voice while playing or during certain times.  I would role play what it was like for us when he does that etc.   AND I told him..after a warning..if he still does it..then he will have to go outside to play. (using the tactic of inside voice/outside voice) so sure enough..I had to kick him out few times.   As you may recall, it was POURING rainy on Wed?  and thank god for muddy pants and rain jacket.  First time, I did that..he was very willing..I thought oh no..my plans will backfired.  but after out there for 20 minutes..he didn't like it anymore. Yesterday, I had to "kick him out" four times and today only once..so needless he is getting better. HE is using his voice properly.   But as for school..that is entirely other matter...

Perfect!!!!! I found a label that is worth well..for my son's CIs.

I found these labels from Emily Press  (www.emilypress.com)  and they have these cutest little labels that you can chose from animals to special toy or sports , different background, colors etc.  I love the varieties that we can chose from.   It is specifically for on clothes, or shoes, or things are not "paper" so they stick better!   I love that it is also water proof..so it won't get ruin if it does get wet.  I often worried about my son's losing his CI..he is such an active boy. He forgets to put it back on if it fall out or he sometimes would just put it down somewhere and forget about it.  I can breathe a bit easier knowing that someone will call us if it is found. 

We have like 20 of them..so it will last!  We put one his Cochlear kit as well.  It is very handy!