Avery and her ears – one year later
Yesterday marked the first-year anniversary of Avery’s ear-tube surgery. The months leading up to the procedure, when we learned about Avery’s hearing issues, were a little stressful – as were the months following, when I wondered if her speech (which had been affected by her hearing) would catch up with other children her age. I’m happy to say that things are really good now: Her speech is right where it needs to be, according to her teachers; she has developed little relationships at school (something she didn’t really do her first year); and – more importantly - she just seems so much happier and more bubbly than ever before. A lot of the changes are likely due to her age, of course, as well as her growing comfort at school – but I also maintain that her ability to hear clearly and more effectively communicate has opened up a whole new world for her. My only regret about her surgery: That we didn’t do it months earlier!
-M