Reagan's Activation, Advanced Bionic Cochlear Implant

[30HCP]

That's one hot audiologist

[poonhounds2]

Thats so scary! Couldn't they play a lullaby or something?

[MrDuch09]

I had bilateral cochlear implant...it went so awesome!! i hear everything ;)

[oddfellowfloyd]

My friend Eva had a CI.... so I am familiar with them, but I also learned today that the reason they cry like that is because it is physically painful because of the electrical signals that are sent right into the inner ear, makes a painful tingling feeling at every sound. So, along with the scariness of new senses, comes a shock, which may or may not gradually go away.  Of course, adjusting to any new sense can be startling, but I hope she's well.

[melosebrainuhoh]

"Noooooo!!!! Now I'll be able to hear Nickelback!"

[courtney2323]

The most amazing tears you could ask for! How is she doing now?? I love brother or sisters reaction though.. so caring.. "i didnt like that" " dont do that again" such a sweet video! I know people think this is controversial. But I think you guys did the BEST thing for her. I heard someone compare it to amputees even when they use their prosthetic legs they are still amputees and they can choose to wear them or not. But there is the opportunity to wear them & do anything they wish in life. kudos

[U3ff3s]

the expression on her face...so cute. I dont understand how ppl can hate on this. years ago people would have given everything for this opportunity

[WarrenStallw]

:) Very moving. Thank you for sharing this. I pray she will have many, many years filled with auditory bliss of all kinds.

[Y2JohnK6]

Science wins. Again.

[ScolioGirl44]

This is heartbreaking.... You should watch the YouTube video "my son is deaf (finally)"

[xoxlotsaluvsxox]

I love her sibling in the back going "don't do that again" lol. It's such a great gift that this baby has been given. God bless.

[AleTheHOUSEwife]

I do research on deaf kids and I know every single thing behind a CI, and STILL watching videos like this makes me get teary eyed at the beauty of what's happening here, as if I were in front of an inexplicable miracle... And then I realize that it is even more incredible that it IS explicable. In these moments, I feel like science is the best thing that happened to us. Plus, your baby is a beauty! I'm glad you could give her the CI at such a young age:it's the best thing for brain plasticity :)

[Milly740]

what a beautiful baby!!

[munnonockspirit]

Aww! She's adorable. Was that the first time they turned it on? They started off a bit loud I think, compared to others I've heard, which is probably why she cried. I hope she's doing better now! :)

[hstg98]

That was so moving! I don't even know you all, but I am so happy for you! What a wonderful gift to be able to give your daughter! It was so clear how suddenly she could hear-and how much that meant to you! I wish you all the best. Congratulations!

PS: Ignore any ignorant comments. That's what they are: ignorant.

[Ingensson]

And for all the haters.. Have you ever went to the hospital?

WELL YOU SHOULDNT!! Because you should learn to live with it!!

[nicsmi78]

to the person with the rant..... YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE OF THESE...... you just dont want to admitting that you have a disability... face it we get something whether its cancer or no hearing.... according to our ranter if you have a condition you shouldnt treat it.. DONT HATE ON THESE PEOPLE becaue your folks made you grow up with sign...

[xtremecrazydeaf]

this is child abuse and cruelty force them to get ci when you should leave it alone and have her learn sign language and get involved with deafies not force implants on her which will be big burden later in her life I feel sorry for your daughter very sad tragic thing that she has ignorant parents that abuse her

[Ingensson]

@xtremecrazydeaf Are you hearing impaired? If no, then just shut the FUCK UP!!

And if you are, i just think you are scared of this..

That girl wast just granted another sense..

[Destinatious]

@xtremecrazydeaf

trollolol

She is so beautiful. I almost cried when she did after hearing sound for the first time. It must be scary at first but now she'll be able to enjoy her fifth sense ^^

[purplewowies]

Are you guys also pursuing sign?

I ask because I don't think a CI is a reason to abandon a full toolbox.

[angelofhope810]

What People dont understand is ... Imagine not hearing anything for 9 months and then all of a sudden hear BOP BOP BOP ... Doesnt really matter what the sound was the 1st time hearing sound out of the blue would scare the crap out of you. Im amazed with the stuff they come up with Congrats on your Baby now being able to hear you =) Good Luck!

[rockerfaerie]

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww­wwwwwww that is the most precious thing I have ever seen XD

[linzymack]

actually, nearly all children either cry or become frightened when they first activate the cochlear implant. it's completely natural for them to react that way, and they'll get used to it. they will always have the option of taking it off if she no longer wants it, so why not give her that option??

[loversarelunatics]

aw que preciosa.

[FlixbyCris]

Beautiful! Loved Reagan's reaction too. Made me laugh because that's exactly how I expect I would react. I'd be scared. Hahaha! Adorable. Thank you for sharing. God Bless her & your family always!

[napphedprncss]

Awww I love how protective her big brother(?) is of her <3 beautiful video - thank you for sharing

[SoflyPhie]

Wow people are stupid, the girl got a fright and the mum is laughing because of joy. The crying shows a reaction to sound.. i.e what the ear specialist was hoping for..

[major600]

Bop! Bop! Bop! Bop! Bop! ??? That would've scared me, too. Can't you start them off with "Mary Had a Little Lamb"? Sweet baby, by the way.

[MoonLizDeaf]

How is sweet Reagan why did she cry? and why you a laughs?

[BigKittyVideos]

This is the most cutest thing and awsome technology I have seen. The best thing about this I wonder is that if her hearing (sound result) is better then regular natural hearing . Like BOSE stereo system vs a small radio. Pretty cool stuff! made my day!

[purplewowies]

@BigKittyVideos No, it's not. The number of electrodes in a CI compared to a natural ear's hair cells is like a radio (CI) compared to HDTV ("perfect" ear).

[SometimesHer]

I would cry too if the first thing i heard was BOP BOP BOP BOP!!!!

[mirabilis]

Is she a cyborg now? Just kidding... ;)

[Sheree828]

Aww, she's beautiful! :) Congratulations on having such a sweet girl and the strength to make such a difficult choice! :)

[ShimmerStar98]

so cute... SO SWEET!!! :D

[ppetta8262]

Very sweet & heart warming, especially big brother's concern. I think I would have burst into tears too if the first thing I heard was that "BAP BAP BAP BAP" Lol

Please keep us posted, & all the best to Reagan & crew.

[belgianwolfie]

warm regards from Belgium. Take care of her and yourselves. Ignore idiots in life, on Youtube, everywhere ... they are not worth your energy ... your kids are ...

[lindsrae80]

Brought tears to my eyes, so beautiful. I can see your love and excitement here...thanks for sharing. :) 

[isingtomyownbeat08]

Your daughter is absolutely beautiful and I'm so happy for her! It was really emotional to watch and I could only imagine how you must of felt watching her reaction and hear for the first time. I wish her the best and hope she grows up happy.

Best wishes! :)

[ReaganElaine]

@yoshisuniverse Thank you! I try to ignore the ugliness that others sometimes spew, but it can be hard when it concerns my daughter. I need to post a video of her now...dancing to music, talking with her family, going to school, laughing when she hears her brother burp...

[Ingensson]

@ReaganElaine How can someone ever comment something bad on this.. its amazing :)

[fogcat1]

very nice! :)

[ShellyReinhardt]

its sad but a happy sad... lol congrats! she was like omg whos that!!!? lol cute

[ChrisFromCali]

wow that is so amazing! Imagine crying, but not knowing what crying was.

[1105196]

Do the insurance companies pay for this or is this something that the parents have to pay for out of pocket? I was just wondering.

[ReaganElaine]

@1105196 We were incredibly blessed with good insurance. The surgery and implant package is very expensive and we were covered 100%. Some countries with government healthcare consider bilateral implants "experimental" so the kids only get 1 and thats usually at 18 months if not older. Reagan was implanted at 9 months and has bilaterals. Some insurance pays less, some need some convincing, but it is the greatest thing we have ever accomplished. We would take a second mortgage if we had to.

[laurenfungirl]

i was in nottingham i went to Activation day was old cochlear impplant very good hear is hear!! why did that little girl cired??

[Ritz190]

i can only imagine what she was thinking at the moment...WTF WAS THAT?!?!?! MOMMY!!!! lol. but she'll get used to it! but i'm very happy for your success in this! Congrats!

[ReaganElaine]

@Ritz190 Thank you, it is so wonderful.

[gentlemortal]

oh my goodness what a reaction hhahah how sweeeeet!. congrats!

[ReaganElaine]

@gentlemortal Thank you!

[lemons82]

aww, so sweet.

[deeanv]

omg i cried!!

mazal tov :D

[ReaganElaine]

@deeanv Me too...everytime I see it.

[Zaimoren]

@momoshoho "funny I wasn't talking to you" Who's channel is this? You come onto someone's channel and then act like they don't have the right to respond to you? Yeah you weren't talking to me either, now ask me if I care. :)

[ReaganElaine]

@Zaimoren Thank you...my thoughts exactly. :)

[jpsms1]

How sweet of big brother to ask not to do that again :) All he was thinking about was not making his sister cry :) Thanks for sharing what a wonderful gift.

[ReaganElaine]

@jpsms1 He still doesn't like to watch it, we found another video we took right after this one and in it, he tells her he loves her and she cries again. We just found out a year ago when he wouldn't watch it, that he thinks he made her cry like that. :(

[sofuggit]

That's so precious. Makes me teary. It's a shame the first sound she heard wasn't just the simple sound of her mother's loving voice. I would've told the doc to let me speak before she started her tests. Medical Science is amazing! It never ceases to amaze me - always something new. Congratulations to you and your precious baby.

[ReaganElaine]

@sofuggit Thank you. It really is amazing, we are very fortunate. I agree, if I could go back in time, I would speak to her first. But at that point, it wasn't really turned up to where she could hear, only to where the nerve was stimulated and thats what scared her. Her auditory nerve had never been stimulated before.

[shotamerican]

i cried watching this! i hope your daughter is doing well, now. so wonderful!

[ReaganElaine]

@shotamerican She is doing so well. She talks, sings, dances and is very funny. (at least she thinks she is)

[bestoddisee]

Congratulations to all of you!

[noeleal]

I've seen this video like 10 times, and every single time I feel like hugging the baby so precious, like the guy said nothing less than a miracle ñ_ñ.

[ReaganElaine]

@noeleal Thank you! It was such a relief when I saw her react, it worked! I couldn't stop hugging her.

[noeleal]

@ReaganElaine god blees you

[ranners2000]

As a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing it is exciting to me to see the advances made with these implants. "Cure" is not the word I would use to describe them but children who are implanted early enough can acquire speech and language just as a hearing person. They can still learn ASL which I consider to be one of the most beautiful languages. An implant expands the opportunities of a child. What a happy thing to see, even through the tears!

[ReaganElaine]

@ranners2000 Thank you! I agree that ASL is beautiful, I love to see Reagan sign, it also is so helpful when she is trying to say something that we are having trouble understanding. Although she is getting very good at lip reading and talking when her "ears" are not on.

[noeleal]

precious

[ReaganElaine]

@momoshoho Allowed to do what exactly? I would be careful what sort of ignorant judgements you make when you are unsure of facts and details. If you would care to learn what actually happens in an activation, I would be happy to enlighten you.

[thelindsayrose05]

This made me tear up I'm Happy for you I couldn't imagine having my son not hear me My Bailey turns 3 on Tuesday hes my world

[sampfa]

arrrrr what a sweet little girl

how wonderful good luck for the future

[ReaganElaine]

@sampfa Thank you!

[JackPoint]

So so so so sweet!

[ReaganElaine]

@JackPoint Thank you!

[Nipa]

I think it's great that parents can give their sons the things they miss. And i'm not saying she didn't have to admit that her daughter is deaf because she is, but if she as a mother can alow her daughter to hear, i think it's great.

And i have to say that i cried with this video, is just amazing!

Crongrats to all, it's an amazing moment.

[ReaganElaine]

@Nipa Thank you!  It has been a blessing each and every day.

[roomfullofdaisies]

why was the lady yelling? all she had to do was quietly say the babies name...then she wouldnt have been so startled.

[ReaganElaine]

@roomfullofdaisies Reagan's 'ear' was turned all the way down, the audiologist voice probably could hardly be heard. It is the stimulation of the nerve that startled her, she was profoundly deaf prior to this and the nerve had never been stimulated. For the next 2 weeks, each time we would "turn her ear on'" she would cry, even if there was no sound at all.

[xxyourscenesucks]

For some reason unknown to the hearing world, the non-hearing or hard of hearing world have some major problems with cochlear implants or hearing aids...I cannot figure out why. They would like to be stuck in this world separate from everything else and pass judgement on anyone who wants help to hear again. Why does to the non-hearing community have to be so sour and isolated? Grow up! ReaganElaine, congrats :)

[ReaganElaine]

@xxyourscenesucks Thank you! We have endured some 'static' from several 'non-hearing' people. I just know that we are enjoying life to it's fullest. To hear my daughter sing, see her dance, and converse with those around her is so perfect in every way.

[TrixieRix]

@xxyourscenesucks I Know! Think of all the wonderful things we love. I love to hear crickets chirping when I go home to visit. I love hearing the rain hit the roof while falling asleep. I love to listen to music while I study, cook, drive, etc. If someone doesn't want one, fine. But don't dare tell another person they shouldn't And don't even get me started in the hearing world's objection...as if we have room to even have a stance the subject at all.

[krazyforyou12]

you and your daughter are so so gorgeous! even though she's crying you look so beautifully happy!! i love this video and it's such an epic representation of motherhood and the gift - and yes, it is a gift - of hearing.

[ReaganElaine]

@krazyforyou12 Thank you so much, you understand perfectly how I felt. I still feel the same way today, she is so amazing and I don't take it for granted.

[passionada01]

Yay for Reagan! I hope she is doing okay now!

t@elisca, you may need to understand that your daughter may have ASL but 98% of the population does not understand it.

[bakkesol]

Poor child!!

[MrPattermike2]

I really cant believe someone would be critical of a parent whochose to take advantage of this unbelieveable technology and give their child the gift of hearing. God bless the people who invented this thing and all the children who benefit.

[nowhere8]

amazing!!!..i would activate and play soft classical music though..might be less scary for a baby who hears for the first time.

[ReaganElaine]

It doesn't have anything to do with what is playing. She coulsn't even distinguish what it was. The sound is turned so low, we could barely hear what was getting through. She was born completely deaf so this was the first time her auditory nerve was stimulated. Even a wisper would have scared the drap out of her.

[Peteb362]

Obviously Reagans mother wants her to be able to hear and speak.. We could also say it was with the grace of god that this technology was invented. Parenting by permission from the child? I wonder how successful that is? If Reagan doesnt want to use the implant when she is older she can choose not to.

[ReaganElaine]

Thank you Peteb362, I appriciate your comments. :)

[jesusfreaklol1]

read the comment by peteb362 because hes right

[ReaganElaine]

Amen!

[ReaganElaine]

I shouldn't grace your comments with a response, but I feel the need to do so anyways.

1. My daughter also speaks beautiful ASL. She also says 'mommy' and 'daddy' and can tell us she loves us.

2.

[ReaganElaine]

.Do we need to ask our kids permission to do what is best for them? Do you ask your daughter's permission before you make her dinner? Pick out her clothes? At least my daughter has options, where as you have limited your daughter forever. If Reagan chooses not to wear her implants one day, that is her choice. You daughter will never get that choice. How much harder will it be for your daughter to learn to read? Interact? Get a job? Make friends? Meet people?

[ReaganElaine]

3. God did not make her deaf, a genetic fluke did. If anything, God's hand was guiding the surgeon when he gave my daughter the give of sound and speech.

4. You ignorance has forever limited your daughter.

[elexisca]

Well are you telling me that you think that deaf people can't get a job? Myself and my husband are deaf. I am full time mother and my husband is a massage therapist. He deals with many hearing people for his job. He couldn't speak it at all and he uses ASL.

[elexisca]

Hes successful with hearing people for his job. I used to work at the public library with hearing people. I am really thankful my parents (who are hearing) to teach me to stand up in the hearing world of being deaf that I can prove them that I can to do anything expect can't hear. I can drive, I can read, I meet people, I make friends, I was a leadership for YMCA in the hearing community. There is so much that I have done in the past. You are embarrassed to have a deaf child.

[elexisca]

I am pretty sure that the Doctor didn't give you the side of negatives for CI. You couldn't send her to sports and scuba diving because it could cause the injury to brain damage from CI. I have been researched on the most negatives side effects that doctor refuses allow to show the parents. They are only encourage that will cure deafness. No, your girl is deaf for her lifetime.

[ReaganElaine]

I never said "couldn't get a job" I said how much harder it is. I worked at a school for the deaf and saw first hand the challenges.

[ReaganElaine]

I am not embarressed, I am so proud of her.

Perhaps YOU don't want your daughter to expand beyond what you experienced? You are so proud of your deafness that you don't want her to experience a world that you didn't?

[LynxChan]

@ReaganElaine please don't tell me someone is getting on your case for letting your daughter hear?! Seriously, is NOTHING uncontroversial?!

She got one of a precious five senses given to her, and someone finds it within their tiny little hearts to take exception to this? Wow...just wow...

I hope your daughter is doing well and enjoying all of her opened up opportunities and added safety :-)

[ReaganElaine]

@LynxChan No kidding huh??!! Reagan is doing amazing, testing just at the low end of normal for a hearing child in speech. She will be mainstreamed by kindergarten and asks for her ears every morning. Not a SINGLE regret!

[ReaganElaine]

Our doctor told us all of those things, so don't get up too high on your horse. I think I would sacrifice her experiencing scuba diving for speech, music, conversation with anyone with ease, foreign language, singing and many opportunities....and she does TONS of sports.

Your rant against CIs only shows your ignorance of them.

[DutchManticore]

@ReaganElaine

Ignore the idiots. They're just youngsters looking to piss people off for fun :)

We're al very happy for all of you, even the guys who are trying to anger you.

[TrixieRix]

@elexisca And Lord knows I can't imagine life not being able to scuba dive. I mean, we can scuba dive every second of the day but we only get to hear like once a year on vacation.

[peterb362]

How do you conclude that she is embarrassed to have a deaf child? More likely she just wants to give her child the best opportunity in life. It's called love. Why wouldn't you give your child the chance to hear? You are right, Reagan is a deaf child, but a deaf child given an opportunity to experience the hearing world. CI's are here to stay. It is not only children getting this done. More and more deaf adults are doing this to experience life in the hearing world including scuba diving.

[hstg98]

@elexisca

Reagan can always decide to live in silence if she prefers, but it will be an educated decision b/c she's experienced both worlds. You have not, yet you claim to prefer one over the other. There are 2 options; how can you prefer one having never experienced the other?

You don't even know what the alternative is like, what it's like to hear, and you've made sure your daughter never will, either. Don't lash out at those who gave their child the choice that you denied yours.

[rbha311]

This is the exact reason why engineers at cochlear approach their work with unparalelled amounts of dedication, the reason I look forward to going to work every single day and knowing that we are helping change people's lives in any way that we can.

[Sankevso]

Or just search with the word:"Sankevso"

[Sankevso]

Congratulation...! Reagan's mother, we are glad for you.

Believe us, its wonderful our son has the implant and its great. Of course needs Years of speech therapy but at the end is priceless.

Meet the FIRST Ecuadorian Deaf kid with Cochlear Implant in Toronto (03/17/1993).

To watch our son videos just search: First Cochlear I.- Primer Ecuatoriano

[parisianskies002]

Oh my word! BLESS herr!! Haha, omg looked so cute when she cried, it's such a blessing that she can hear :) x

[vanislmama]

I cry everytime I see this! I hope my son has the same response so I know that everything is working well

[Alaskanwolf88]

what an angel! she is precious.

[noatamar]

oh my god!!this is so exiting

we are one week befor ower activation day

and i am so afraid of her reaction.

i wish you the best and all CI children.

[vbnbama]

How precious! Love these videos.

[samspritzer]

Someone referred me here...and that so absolultely awesome! I am sure when she is older she is going to cherish the moment too!

[rvcadden]

We are so incredibly happy for you guys!!! That is truly awesome and it did bring tears to my eyes!! It was a miracle, thank you for sharing it with us.

The Caddens

[waspison]

That is awesome! I played the part where she reacts like 25 times... April your response is just as good. Way to go everybody!

[ppallagi]

Brought me to tears, I'm so happy for you guys.

[ReaganElaine]

I love hearing the conversation her big brother Grant, daddy and Megan have at the end!

[ReaganElaine]

Oh my god! I cry everytime!