With the activation of Isla’s second cochlear implant coming up next week, several people have asked me about what we would do if either of Isla’s cochlear implants became lost or stolen. Well, knowing myself pretty well, I’m reasonably certain that a well-choreographed “freak out” would be in order.  It’s a good question, and one that warrants a serious answer (in a hopefully humorous way, of course.)

Well, obviously if it’s stolen, you file a police report immediately. That’s the recommendation of the manufacturer, Med-El. Coincidentally, it’s also the recommendation of Jor-El (pictured)

His other insights are less helpful

The warranty for Isla’s implant covers the internal electronics (the part under her skin) against failure for ten (10) years. The external components are covered for three (3) years from the date of activation against “mechanical or electrical defect,” but not for “theft, loss or accidental damage.”

HOWEVER (and it is a BIG “however”) our warranty provides a “One Time Loss and Damage” option. Which basically means that if anything happens to the external components within three years from the date of surgery, the manufacturer will replace the external components one time only.

(DISCLAIMER: Bear in mind that this information is taken directly from the warranty for Isla’s implant and may not apply to other implants or implants from other manufacturers.  Be sure to carefully review your own warranty for coverage and specific limitations.)

Another option is look into obtaining a rider or endorsement for your homeowners insurance policy. Some companies will charge an additional premium to apply broader coverage for things like cochlear implants and hearing aids. Talk to your agent for details and ask a lot of questions!

A third option would be seek coverage from other companies that specialize in insuring medical equipment. A Google search will start you in the right direction, but this will require a lot more research on your part since coverage, costs, and the reliability of the insurer can vary widely.  Talk to other people who have cochlear implants and find out what they recommend.

Fortunately, Isla’s implant is working fine and we are constantly watching to make sure the exterior components haven’t mysteriously disappeared or been thrown in the lake in a fit of frosting-related toddler rage.  We also use “wig tape” like the kind I use to keep my toupee in place to prevent the control unit/battery pack from sliding off her ear as she leans forward to check out her hilariously oversized shoes.

 Adorable moments like this, frankly, scare the crap out of us

I’m checking with my homeowners insurer to see if they offer additional coverage. I’ll let you know what I find out. Likewise, if any of you have any experience with this, please feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear it.

I’ve previously mentioned that Patty & I are learning American Sign Language (ASL.)  As a result, we have been communicating basic signs to Isla.  I was initially skeptical that children are capable of interpreting and communicating via ASL at such a young age, but once I saw videos of it, I was convinced.  Recently, Isla has been signing “Mom.” We weren’t sure at first, since it tends to get lost in the general flailing and major tantrums.  Luckily, Patty was taking pictures the other day when Isla signed “mom” very clearly. I’m so proud of my little girl!

A good friend of mine asked if I was jealous that her first sign is “mom.” Since I’m obviously jealous of everyone, the answer is “yes,” of course.  C’mon!  I’m the one who plays piano for her. I’m the one who provides the “Daddy Snuggles.”  I’m the one who gives her an inexcusably large quantity of low-fat iced coffee drinks available at any retailer!

…Uh, scratch that last one.

Little breakthroughs like this really make us feel optimistic. Despite her hearing loss, we know we’ll be able to communicate with her, and she’ll be able to communicate with us.

Of course, she might just be making an obscene gesture. In which case, I have a whole lot of NEW things to worry about.

I recently received a rather odd comment from someone at a Hotmail address. I won’t divulge the email address, so I simply refer to the writer as “CrayCray@Hotmail.com.”  The wording/tone of the email suggests that it was written by a woman, and the fact that it was from a Hotmail account suggests she is over 80. 

The writer had viewed our (by all accounts) adorable video clip of Isla laughing which I posted earlier.  In the clip, you can can clearly see Isla’s little pink hearing aids.  Well, this writer opined that it was cruel to make a baby wear hearing aids and that a child should not have hearing aids until they’re age 3 at the earliest.  The commenter also suggested I get a clue and that I must be a bad mother. I’ll agree with that: I am one Bad Mother.

I didn’t save the comment because as you know, I simply cannot condone imperfect grammar…from clueless morons…who hate kittens (probably.)  I now wish I would have saved it, but it seemed more like this writer was more interested in trolling than engaging in an actual thoughtful dialogue about the choices one must make when raising a child with a disability.  Oh, and every study we looked into suggested that waiting too long to provide hearing aids can adversely affect learning and language development. I think I’ll take the advice of medical professionals over that of someone with a Hotmail account and no concept of punctuation.

Our family has received so much support from incredibly kind and talented people.  We are continually amazed at the help that is available for children with hearing loss, such as our Isla.  We also have the support of friends and family who are willing to help us in our journey. (Unfortunately, we do not yet have the support of Journey.)

Seriously, not even a phone call.

Patty & I are surprisingly friendly and approachable when out in public, and we have no problem when people politely ask about Isla’s hearing aids.  For the most part, people ask honest questions in a sensitive way. So, if you have questions about how we raise a child with hearing loss, please ask me. I love that kind of thing.  But if all you have is clueless insensitivity, prepare to be on the receiving end of my Gary Busey impersonation.  (Spoiler alert: It’s disgusting!)