What My Mom Taught Me About Hearing Loss and Determination

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Back in 1973, long before newborn hearing screenings were the norm, my mom had a gut feeling that something was off with my hearing. Despite her concerns, the pediatrician kept dismissing her worries. But she persisted and, after much effort, I was finally diagnosed with a significant hearing loss at just 14 months old.

My parents were completely new to the world of deafness. They faced a tough choice: should they teach me sign language or focus on spoken language? Ultimately, they decided that I could always learn to sign later, but learning to talk was time-sensitive. They chose the tougher path, knowing it would empower me in the long run.

My mom took a break from her teaching career—what turned out to be a much longer hiatus than planned, especially after my sister was born deaf three years later. She dedicated herself to taking me to speech and language therapy every single day. Her teaching expertise came in handy as she worked with me at home. My childhood wasn’t just about playing; everything was a learning opportunity. If I wanted a cookie, I had to make a sound, even if it was just a little “coco.”

Once I started school, my mom filled countless notebooks with conversations for my teachers, sharing concerns and updates. Sure, it was a lot of work before the age of email, but I cherish those notebooks now—they’re a tangible record of my journey. Who knew I’d find notes about everything from proud moments to family losses?

Thanks to my mom’s relentless determination, I was able to attend public school and continued with speech therapy through high school. My sister and I learned to advocate for ourselves, and I eventually went on to college, got married, and started a family. Now, when I face challenges with my kids, I think back to everything my mom went through.

Perseverance doesn’t even begin to capture what she did for me. It’s because of her that I can confidently say, “Thank you.”

For more insights on parenting, check out this helpful article on intracervical insemination and if you’re interested in learning about at-home options, Make a Mom is a great resource. Also, for a deeper dive into pregnancy and home insemination, this Cleveland Clinic podcast is worth a listen.

In summary, my mother’s dedication taught me the value of perseverance in the face of challenges. Her efforts shaped who I am today, allowing me to navigate life’s hurdles with confidence.