Factors Influencing Spoken Language Outcomes in Children following Early Cochlear Implantation

Factors Influencing Spoken Language Outcomes in Children following Early Cochlear Implantation Geers AE Møller AR (ed): Cochlear and Brainstem Implants. Adv Otorhinolaryngol. Basel, Karger, 2006, vol 64, pp 50-65 (DOI: 10.1159/000094644) from http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?doi=10.1159/000094644&typ=pdf Article (PDF 88 KB)      Free Preview    Medline Abstract (ID 16891836) Abstract: Development of spoken language is an objective of virtually all English-based educational programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The primary goal of pediatric cochlear implantation is to provide critical speech information to the child’s auditory system and brain to maximize the chances of developing spoken language. Cochlear implants have the potential to accomplish for profoundly deaf children what the electronic hearing aid made possible for hard of hearing children more than 50 years ago. Though the cochlear implant does not allow for hearing of the same quality as that experienced by persons without a hearing loss, it nonetheless has revolutionized the experience of spoken language acquisition for deaf children. However, the variability in performance remains quite high, with limited explanation as to the reasons for good and poor outcomes. Evaluating the success of cochlear implantation requires careful consideration of intervening variables, the characteristics of which are changing with advances in technology and clinical practice. Improvement in speech coding strategies, implantation at younger ages and in children with greater preimplant residual hearing, and rehabilitation focused on speech and auditory skill development are leading to a larger proportion of children approaching spoken language levels of hearing age-mates.

© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Executive Summary of Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Year 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/EHDI/documents/ExecSummFINAL.pdf

Happiness and a Fulfilling Life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus Christ] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”1

Jose Addison said that the “three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

These ideas certainly are a great start but to discover lasting happiness and have a fulfilling life I would suggest having and achieving the following:

A noble God-given life purpose for which to believe in and live for—a purpose that is far bigger than yourself

A worthy cause into which you can put your best efforts

A worthwhile goal and the employment of all your powers for the achievement of that goal

The resolution of impaired relationships—forgiving any and all who have ever hurt you and obtaining forgiveness for any and all you may have hurt

The resolution of all super-charged repressed negative emotions

Loving relationships, and most important of all

A loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ—knowing your sins are forgiven with the promised hope of eternal life in Heaven with God at the end of life’s journey.*

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to discover my God-given life purpose and, with your help, fulfill it to the best of my ability for your glory. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

From Daily Encounter: A Daily Inspirational Sept 1, 2009

Encouraging Quotes from Michelle Obama

Make Self-Care a Priority

Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we’re scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don’t have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.”

The Source of Her Strength

On how her dad coped with Multiple Sclerosis throughout her childhood: “Seeing a parent with a disability moving through the world and living life as if that disability didn’t matter, always made us think, What do we have to complain about? We wake up, we bound out of bed, we are healthy, we’re happy, and our father is struggling to get out of bed. But he never missed a day of work, never talked about being sick. So it made it hard to wake up and say, ‘I don’t want to go to school.’”

Staying True to Yourself

“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.”

Sharing Her Faith

“I come here today as a Christian, a person of faith who believes we’ve all been called to serve our fellow men and women and to honor God’s creation. We want our girls to know right from wrong, to always tell the truth, to treat people no matter who they are with dignity and respect, no matter how different they may seem…because we want our girls to know we are all God’s children and there’s so much more that unites than divides us.”

On Partnership and Shared Values with Her Husband

“Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them. Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children–and all children in this nation–to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work.”

On Making a Contribution

“And in my own life, in my own small way, I’ve tried to give back to this country that has given me so much. That’s why I left a job at a law firm for a career in public service, working to empower young people to volunteer in their communities. Because I believe that each of us–no matter what our age or background or walk of life–each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.”

Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/2009/01/Michelle-Obama-Quotes.aspx

Miss Missouri International 2008 is hard of hearing

Found an inspiring article online. A great source of pride.

Medications given to sustain her life, left Jayna with a severe to profound hearing loss. Doctors predicted as a result of such complications that Jayna would never learn to speak, obtain beyond a third grade education, and live a normal life.

To read more, click here.