Help Izzy Hear: Let's play catch-up...

Unfortunately, hearing loss is not typically seen as a significant problem unless people have profound loss or they are completely deaf; however, any hearing loss can present problems. Just read the article Hearing loss an 'invisible,' and widely uninsured, problem to learn more about the effects of hearing loss and how most states and insurance companies avoid dealing with this disability. Even though the article was posted two years ago, not much has changed since then.

While many adults deal with hearing loss on a daily basis and have adapted to their own deficiencies - my dad, for instance - children, especially those who had hearing loss before being treated or receiving assistance, suffer in the most basic forms of communication. Izzy may seem like a typical three year old, but her hearing loss is holding her back from being able to articulate her needs and wants. What I didn't realize until just a few months ago was just how much I relied on hand gestures to communicate with Izzy. We have our own form of communication that doesn't always include verbal cues. Even with discipline, I can simply show one or two fingers and Izzy knows the drill; this is more effective than yelling I've found. Still yet, I was completely baffled when our most recent audiologist explained that Izzy has moderate and severe hearing loss. What?! But she seems to get along just fine! Initially, before all of these hearing evaluations, we thought she just needed speech therapy. Now, of course, the issue is much more complicated. Especially since Izzy is so young, even knowing exactly to what extent her hearing is affected is still questionable. We need more reliable communication from her before we can establish what she can and can't hear with even more accuracy. Ultimately, we know she has hearing loss and a speech delay, so we must address the hearing issue before we can even think about focusing on speech.

Who would have thought that those cute things she mispronounced early on - "ooo" instead of "moo," "Iggy" instead of "Izzy," ya-ey" instead of "daddy" - were actually a telling sign that we had a problem? If we were keeping score, these first time parents measure up as complete losers. All the typical warnings signs were there - multiple failed infant hearing screenings, very few clear words spoken, missing initial and ending sounds, the phrase "turn it up" repeated over and over in the car or while watching TV - thankfully, she included the hand gesture to motion turning the radio knob; otherwise, we still might not know what she was saying! - and holding up the iPad to her left ear even when the volume was turned all the way up. What on Earth were we thinking? With this info, anyone can tell our child couldn't hear! Over the past few months, Randy and I have struggled with our own feelings of self-doubt when it comes to our parenting simply because we question what we could have done differently to address Izzy's problem much sooner. However, we can't go back and change things now. We have to roll with it.

Randy and I are having to face yet another issue: our pride. We don't like to ask anybody for anything, but we are now at a place where we need help. Izzy shouldn't have to suffer because of our own insecurities, so here goes nothing. With our salaries, Randy and I make just above the minimum requirement for state assistance for Izzy's hearing aids, and our insurance won't pay. There are grants and other options available, but mostly all of them have a financial requirement, which Randy and I both exceed. I have found one grant, for which I have applied, but the amount awarded is not specified. Consequently, even if we are awarded this grant, we are uncertain if the total cost will be covered. We are facing around a $4,000 bill for Izzy's hearing aids now, but because she is just a child, we will need frequent moldings and new equipment. This will be an ongoing medical expense for the rest of her life. If this was something expected, of course Randy and I would have been prepared, and we will be in the future; however, even with hearing evaluations going on, we were never given any insight into this type of treatment or expense. Again, first time parents = losing!

Nevertheless, we want to turn this into something positive, and we need your help to do that. Our goal is to raise $4,000 for Izzy's hearing aids. In the event that we receive any money from the grant, a fund will be established only for Izzy's necessary hearing equipment and doctor visits. Anything you are willing to give is greatly appreciated and will be paid forward. If you are unable to give, please share this story and blog with people you know on any of the social networking sites.

Randy, Izzy, and I thank you for your support, and we'll update you along the way.