Catalene's first hearing test.

Look for photos of her first hearing test soon!
English Translation:
Catalene's first hearing test was last week on Thursday, Nov 13. at John Tracy Clinic (JTC). The school district recommended JTC because they give out free hearing tests so We went there. When we arrived there, I was a bit awkward. I informed them that I am Deaf and I use ASL. ASL is our household language which I communicate and use with my daughter. I did not know how they felt or whether they permitted us to sign ASL on their campus. We entered their building, and they were focused on servicing us. Inside the audiology testing room, I was thinking and hoping to myself that Catalene is hearing. While waiting for confirmation, I noticed how much technology had improved from heavy and bulky headphones to a thin tubes and foams that goes inside the ears easily and comfortably. Catalene was cooperative and enjoyed the hearing test process, playing games. I compared her first hearing test to mine. I had heavy bulky headphones sitting in front of a see through mirror glass. An audiologist disappeared and I had no idea what was happening. She then returned to explain that I am supposed to raise my hand if I heard anything. I did and it was a boring long process of waiting and more waiting before I heard anything again... It was a dazy and bizarre experience for me. Unlike my daughter, for her, it was personal and intimate experience, sitting across from an audiologist at a kid-sized table while the other audiologist was inside the booth working with the sounds. The audiologist at the table played with my girl as the test was being conducted. I was fascinated with how much the "approach" to taking the test had improved, "playing games" was emphasized. She did not feel, "Something is wrong with me" as I had during my time in the 70's. Catalene was eager and pleased to hear sounds, thinking that they were listening games. She did not even think twice about the "hearing test" experience. She was onto playing the next activity. She was not scarred by the clinical experience as I had been. Every time I had a hearing test, I dreaded waiting for sounds that never came. "Was I right? Was I wrong to have my hand up at this second? Did I really heard that?" I was relieved that she did not have the "clinical" scarring experience that I had. Catalene had a nice experience. It was confirmed that she does have a hearing loss, forty DB to 60 DB from "mild to moderate." Which means digital hearing aid would boost her hearing up to almost normal hearing in most of the frequency. I was fine with that and I asked my girl, "what color hearing aid would she want?" She answered, "PINK." I laughed, and knew it would be her answer as it is her favorite color. Yes, of course, the audiologist and others were ready to support me and were confused by my calm reaction. I was silent, and listened then I focused on what to do next. I readily accepted her loss then I discussed on how support her with what services, etc. What would be best for her re: digital hearing aid types, how to get services immediately. I studied, discussed and understood the audiogram. I gathered information to bring to and share with the IEP team. A couple of the staff offered me their hands of comfort, searching for my grief. The audiologist asked me, "How I felt? Was I shocked? Was I surprised?" I appreciated their concerns but I was fine. I am not shocked, really... I should not be surprised after all... After five generation of Deaf family, it is no news! So I was on automatic gear focusing on what to do next for her. They seemed surprised and uncertain by my response but I assured them we were good and we left.