So, can Aiden hear now?

Lots of people ask me this question and others like, "when the implant is turned on, will Aiden be able to hear right away?" And, I think I have come up with a good way to answer these questions using the analogy of somone who has decided to get a home computer that they have never had before.

So, Steve's heard that "everyone else" has a home computer, and thinks that he should get one too. (Compare to: As his parent's, Ric and I think that Aiden should be able to hear.)

Steve does a bunch of research, and picks the model that he thinks will work best for him. (Compare to: We choose the Cochlear Freedom model of Cochlear Implant for Aiden.)

Steve purchases the computer, brings it home, and sets it up on his desk. (Compare to: Aiden went in for surgery on October 16th, and his implant was implanted. This is where we are right now.)

Steve's new computer is a big step for him, and he decides to wait awhile - like 5 weeks - before he feels comfortable plugging it in and turning it on. (Compare to: Aiden will wait until November 20th for his implant to be "turned on" while he recovers from surgery and his incision has healed.)

Five weeks later, the "bid day" has arrived, and Steve is ready to start! He plugs in the computer, turns it on and "voila" it works!! (Compare to: On November 20th, Aiden's implant will be turned on for the first time at CHEO.)

Hmmm, okay, so Steve has a computer, and it's plugged in and working - how come he doesn't know how to use it? Ah, right - this is all new for Steve. I guess he better take some classes and learn how to use this thing! (Compare to: Although Aiden will be able to hear on November 20th, sound will be a brand new thing for him. It will take lots of time, and lots of work and therapy to teach him that sound is important, what it means and how he can best make use of it.)

I hope that helps!!!