Hearing - "Good Enough"

So today was our six month follow up with the ENT on Thomas' tubes and his current hearing.  We first discuss where we have been and where we are.  I mentioned the new diagnosis and he looked right up at me.  He admitted he had one other patient who also has Townes-Brocks Syndrome.  Then we both discussed how the diagnosis can help the medical professions but not necessarily change your child.  Did I mention how much I like him?  I do.  Anyway, he said the diagnosis just helps them to narrow down possible causes for the issues.

He then checked his ears.  As before the right one looks fine and the left one looks like its working its way out.  Its been like that for over six months and the tubes have lasted two years now.  So grateful he put in the long term ones so that we aren't having surgery every year.  Thomas does scream when water happens to get in his left ear during bath and will put his fingers in his ears a lot.  We don't have an explanation for this except that his ears just may be sensitive.  It is always interesting to note that his ear tag was in front of his left ear. 

Based on his findings we went to audiology.  Here is where its gets grey, yep, medical is not black or white, it is grey and fuzzy and. . . well, you get the point.  So, both ears showed no fluid so the tubes are preventing any fluid build up.  Yay!  In the sound booth Thomas performed at an acceptable level.  It was explained that at least one of his ears are hearing at a speaking level, which means he can hear and understand sounds that are at the level that most people talk in.  At this time, based on his age, it is 'good enough'.  This means there is a possibility that there are tones he cannot hear in either one or both ears, but for all intents in purposes it is most important for him to hear those talking around him and he can do that.  In fact, they were all very impressed with his speech and vocabulary. 

So, we go back in three months to check that left ear again and discuss if we need to do anything.  I am good with that.  A celebration in my opinion is that as we were walking out of the office the doctor told me that he really doesn't see any reason to suspect a long term hearing issue in Thomas' case.  He was born without hearing and got his first tubes at 5months old.  He then got his second set of tubes 12 months later which are the same ones that are in now.  He did not suffer from ear infections like normal children, but in each surgery fluid was removed.  The doctor mentioned that we could do a MRI to examine the interior of his ear for any malformations or such but that would mean sedation again for him and he doesn't want to do excessive, unnecessary testing.  Did I mention how much I like him?  Oh yeah, I did.  If as time goes on we continue to have issues it is always an option, but overall he feels this is more of a temporary issue and as his ears mature this will resolve itself.  We aren't out of the woods with another set of tubes, but I am over the moon with his words.  He said in his professional opinion he is going to be all good.  He would be presently surprised if something did show or develop.

I will take 'Good Enough'.  I am extremely grateful for 'Good Enough'.  At one time in my life that would have been something that I wouldn't have like to hear, but in Thomas' case I'll take it and smile!!  Next up is our three year check up and our consult with the Endocronoligists. 

I love this verse:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.