Malachi's first birthday was on last Wednesday. June 22nd. Unfortunately, it also ended up being the day that Malachi had his full diagnostic ABR hearing test done. It was supposed to be the Wednesday before, but MUSC changed it for some reason. His appointment was at 8:30 in the morning, we had to be there at eight. Because he was to be sedated to get an accurate reading he couldn't eat anything several hours before hand. We were here on time but it was past 9 before we left him in the OR.
His doctor said that at most it the test would take 45-60 minutes long. After an hour and 15 minutes of waiting I asked a nurse what was going on. About five minutes later we were pulled back. We went through the main doors into the surgery floor and she pulled us to the side of hallway, and just like in the movies she told us his diagnosis in a completely public place. (I always thought that was completely unrealistic, apparently it happens though).
She told us that he basically doesn't hear anything. She tested him up to 90 decibels, which was as high as her equipment would allow. He had no response. It is possible he might hear a little something at 110, but it's unlikely. This basically means that he is diagnosed with "profound hearing loss", essentially 100% deaf.
The next step can be hearing aids. However, hearing aids amplify what you can hear, Malachi hears nothing. The doctor said that they probably won't work, but depending on our insurance we might have to try that before moving onto other things. She also told us that he seems like a perfect candidate for cochlear implants and that they could fast track him to get them if we choose that route. We will make an appointment with an ENT doctor to further explore that option and to see if he qualifies.
After he woke up from his test the nurses said he was very anxious and panicky so they gave him some medicine to relax. When we got to him he was sort of passed out and sucking on a bottle of water with the nurse. It took him a while to snap out of it and return to normal.
We had a small birthday party for him with the family later that day and he didn't really care for it all. His stomach always gets funky with the anesthesia meds and he didn't eat his cake or anything. It's a bummer, but we are grateful to understand a little of what is going on.
Singing Happy Birthday:
Now we are just learning as much as we can. We have ASL books and trying to sign to Malachi as often as possible (which he really responds to). He already knows the sign for ball, more and milk. We are not sold on getting cochlear implants, there are lots of pros and cons that we will have to sort out what is best for Malachi.
We're quite overwhelmed by it all, but not in a sad or depressed way. It's just a lot of information and responsibility on our shoulders. We like to do things the right way the first time. We really appreciate all the kind and thoughtful things people have said. We are thankful to have such great support.