Our deaf daughter Marielle hears for the first time with hearing aids

Marielle was fitted with hearing aids by our heroes at the University of Virginia. This is the first time our 3 month old baby heard sound.

Marielle failed her newborn hearing screening, failed a follow up ABR at 6 weeks, and received hearing aids at 3 months of age. When she was 2 1/2 she received an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant in her right ear. She continues to amaze and entertain us every day!

At four years old she speaks perfectly and no one knows she's deaf unless I tell them. Grammar, articulation, etc is all age appropriate. She attends two mainstream preschools.

(Check our more recent videos on our youtube channel to hear her speak.)

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[sdbinash]

Adorable! I think it is interesting to see which pathway hearing parents take with deaf children. I know a lot of deaf parents that had implanted their children when they were young, as well as others that had left the decision up to the child once they were old enough. Question for the parents though. I am curious as to your reasoning for implanting your child at such a young age. Also will you still teach your child sign language? If so do the two of you plan to also learn?

[mjp3md]

@sdbinash We did learn sign. She doesn't use it now though and doesn't want to. Implanting at a young age is crucial. The brain of a baby is amazing. The sooner you can stimulate the auditory nerve, the better chance your child has at developing oral language. Wait too long and the window of opportunity closes, or at least will never be what it could have been.

[TheFlapjack101]

My little boy was born deaf he is now 4 and a half months old and in february next year he will have the implant ..im so nervous but soo happy at the same time :)

[mjp3md]

@TheFlapjack101 Very exciting! You will be amazed at the miracles of technology combined with a young mind.

[wbhowden]

I am currently deciding whether do go to Med School or do an MBA next year - this just sealed the deal.

[TheBendyRuler]

Awwwhhh, she smiled at the sound of your voice.

Doesn't that just make you feel so wonderful?

Also, her name is just so beautiful!

If I can have your permission, I'd like to use it

for a character of mine that's currently nameless.

:)

[mjp3md]

@RizHail A cochlear implant does not go inside your brain. Common misconception. The internal portion goes just under the skin, and only a small electrode goes into your cochlea. Just barely past your ear drum. No bone was touched or altered in any way for this operation.

[mjp3md]

@David50s We hope so! Now that she is 5 she never stops talking, except to sing.

[mjp3md]

@KaitKatt You posted "It's cute but I think the only reason they did it was so they didn't have to learn sign."

[KaitKatt]

@mjp3md I have done my research, thanks. I do think it's cute, I read the description.

It's not showing what I posted, so I do not quite remember exactly what I put since I watch another just like this one.

But I'm glad you learned and taught her sign, and what is cueing?

[pornoslut]

omg isnt she precious ! IM so glad she will be able to hear =) .

[mjp3md]

@kaitkatt Before jumping to conclusions you might want to do your research (or read the comments). We did learn to sign and we know Cued American English. Our daughter's speech and language now tests above average when compared to her hearing peers.

[KaitKatt]

It's cute but I think the only reason they did it was so they didn't have to learn sign. If my child is born deaf I will let my child decide, I will change my life before theirs

[ethiopiawii]

GOD BLESS!!