Sarah can hear. First time hearing

Hearing for the first time! Audiogram at UVA the first time Sarah wore her Oticon Bone Conducting Hearing Aid band. Sarah was born with bilateral microtia/atresia (no ears or ear canals) and institutionalized in China until age 7. She was able to develop speech because she was in an orphanage where screaming was the norm! She is now fluent in English, Mandarin, and plays the piano, but still her hearing falls below the normal range. We are still fighting with insurance which is denying her an upgrade to digital technology. They say Osseointegrated hearing implants are "hearing aids" and not a covered service. Praying for a miracle so she can be upgraded soon to Oticon Ponto Pros! any insurance tips appreciated.. ajsabal@yahoo.com

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• hearing first time

[stbays]

I know how she feels. I was born without functional outer ears or middle ears. Thankfully my middle ear works and the bone conduction devices are amazing. My only real complaint with them is the preasure from the band I've had to wear which results in some painful migranes after long use.

Hopefully she'll be able to get the operation you mentioned.

[sasabal]

Sarah had a titanium post implanted into her head and the BAHA Divino snaps onto it. She also uses an FM system in school. It's all so awesome! Send me your e-mail and I'll send you pics of her new medpor ears.

Best,

Angela

Sarah's mom

[sasabal]

Sarah has Bilateral Microtia/Atresia, no ears or external ear canals. It allows her to hear thru bone vibrations sent directly to the cochleas. Today she heard quacking ducks passing over for the first time! This hearing aid is a miracle!

[SarahLeighDownes]

Is it true that alot of deaf girls are called Sarah? Because I'm deaf and my name is Sarah. (:

[ryan93280]

@daydreambeliever91 It took me until I was about 13 yrs old. its really hard to speak and understand the english for hard of hearing people. I believe I still speak little bit slurshing but people told me your speaking fine. They dont want to hurt my feeling. well.. im 32 yrs old. Im ok now. I guess. haha

[tasticpanda]

I use an FM system 2 :] buts its not my favorite

[nikeshoxz08]

Thank you for sharing this and thank you for choosing to give a home to a wonderful child in need. She is just beautiful and I am sure a great joy.

[daydreambeliever91]

how long did it take her to learn english?

[m3zpy]

BEAUTIFUL....

[friarcajun]

How great that you adopted and older child with a disability. It seems many regard Chinese baby girls as a type of designer must-have when there are many kids in need of a home who are older or come from more impoversihed parts of the world.

[amymint5]

It is wonderful to hear of your Mircles....and thank you for sharing this vedio with us -She is such a beautiful little gire...and full of joy...