Tubes to the Rescue--We Hope!

Ever since we met Nadia we've been pleasantly surprised with how healthy she is, how well she is walking, and just her overall development.  Our only concern has been her hearing.  At first we didn't think she was hearing anything at all.  She never responded to our voices, calling her name, loud noises...nothing!

However, now that she's been part of our family for 3 weeks, we've noticed more responses to our voices--especially Jim's deeper voice.  We can still clap loudly behind her and she won't turn or blink, but the subtle differences in her responses have been encouraging although not very consistent. 

Today I had her evaluated by our ENT and Audiologist.  I was very eager for this evaluation and prayed for wisdom for both professionals. 

The ENT said that her ear drums were thickened and she flat-lined for both ears on her tympanogram which basically means that her ear drums aren't responding to noise.  The audiological exam was a little trickier and didn't give any conclusive evidence of lack of hearing or hearing.  It's hard to tell at this age if they're responding or not responding for age and/or behavioral reasons.  We truly believe that Nadia has some learned "tuning out" behaviors that developed from orphanage life.

                           (Wish I could use that reasoning when my other kids tune me out-ha ha!)

So, the bottom line is that we're going to have tubes put in her ears to relieve the pressure of the fluid that has most likely been building up for quite awhile.  We are hoping and praying that this will resolve the possible hearing issue, but if it doesn't, we'll go to Plan B--whatever that may be.  Her surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, July 13th.  We need to be there at 7:30am for a 9:30am surgery time.  We'd appreciate your prayers for this surgery as well as positive results from the procedure. 

We want to make sure Nadia is hearing all of us say "I love you" so she knows how much she means to our family!!!