Carol Burnett pulled on her ear as a sign to her grandma, so yeah, I am doing the same. “Grandma, I may be deaf but I can still enjoy the sweet moments in life like a warm, luxurious bubble bath in the quiet of my NICU room.”

It shouldn’t be such a surprise that I don’t hear you since hearing loss is one of the most common issues related to pre-mature births. But since 90% of babies born deaf are born to two hearing parents, yes, it is usually a bit of a shock. However, Hear this, “failing a hearing test does NOT mean there is permanent hearing loss or I will never, ever hear you!”

There are basically two types of hearing loss: Sensorineural deafness (damage to the inner ear) or Conductive deafness (under-developed outer ear canal/ wax-liquid build-up.

Most likely, my deafness is Conductive. Due to being born a “micr-preemie,” my outer ear canal is not fully developed and simply placing “tubes” in my outer canals may be sufficient enough in reducing my loss of sound. Tubes will be placed in my ears about 6 weeks from now and then I get another hearing test. The results of my second test will indicate if I need future corrective surgery and/or hearing aids, etc. Blah, blah, blah.

Too much talking if you ask me! “Hears” the thing, not being able to hear all the racket and beeping during my first few months of life hasn’t been all that terrible but I do want to hear my Mama’s voice. I can see, smell, feel and taste her just fine. And now it makes more sense to her…why I never startle to loud, obtrusive noises; why I follow objects so intensely with my eyes; why I am so attracted to beautiful people and bright, beautiful things; why I love watching my “under-the-sea contraption” hanging on my crib and new doll and picture book.

Unfortunately, Grandma was in the room when the doctors revealed my hearing test results to Mama. The words “Madeleine” and “failed” should never be used together….so says Grandma. I think she has ears like an elephant and can hear everything ever said about me. She also has my hands. And you know what hands can do?

“Can you Hear me now?”

Please enjoy my next Page, “Made you Look”