Have you ever wondered what it’s like to raise a child who faces the world in a different way? How do you find the strength to face challenges, make tough choices, and ensure your child blossoms in the face of adversity?
In this touching narrative, Irene Seow, a devoted Singaporean mother, shares the emotional journey of her family as they support their daughter, Arissa, who was born with hearing loss.
From the moment Arissa entered the world, Irene and her husband Hweesheng embarked on a journey filled with love, hope, and heartache. The initial newborn hearing test hinted at a life-changing reality, leaving them grappling with emotions they never anticipated. They navigated a sea of medical tests, each one a painful reminder of the challenges ahead. Despite the moments of despair, their hearts never lost sight of the light of possibility.
Through tears and triumphs, Irene recounts the difficult decisions they’ve made, the unyielding love that has surrounded Arissa, and the joy they’ve found in every small victory. This story is a testament to the power of a family’s love and the incredible resilience of a child determined to shine.
Join us in exploring Arissa’s journey — a story of courage, compassion, and the unbreakable bond that promises a bright future.
The Unexpected Diagnosis: Arissa’s Childhood Hearing Loss
When Irene and Hweesheng brought their newborn, Arissa, into the world, they were swept up in a whirlwind of pure joy and boundless dreams for their little one. But this joyful beginning was abruptly interrupted by a chilling reality when the routine newborn hearing test came back with troubling results.
“Our gynaecologist reassured us not to worry too much initially, as some babies don’t pass the test due to reasons like fluid in the middle ear,” Irene recalls. But as time passed and seven more tests echoed the same haunting truth, their anxiety grew into a gnawing dread.
The day they received the final diagnosis at KKH felt like a slow-motion descent into despair. The words “profound deafness in both ears” struck like a thunderclap, shattering the hopeful bubble they had been desperately clinging to. Irene’s eyes well with tears as she relives that crushing moment.
“As first-time parents, we were unsure of what to expect and held onto any hope we had, attending each hearing test with the expectation that it might bring different results.”
The room seemed to close in around them as the devastating reality settled. Arissa’s father crumbled under the weight of the news, tears streaming down his face, while Irene sat in stunned silence, the gravity of the situation pressing down on her like a vice.
Facing the Unknown
“Daddy began extensive research on the topic, as we had no family history of profound hearing loss and wanted to learn how best to support Arissa. We spoke with every doctor, audiologist, therapist, and parent we encountered, seeking to understand what Arissa’s diagnosis meant for her future,” Irene shares.
The news was devastating, but Irene and her husband quickly composed themselves to explore the available options to support Arissa’s development and help her integrate with her peers with minimal disruption. They sought advice from doctors, audiologists, therapists, and other parents who had faced similar situations, determined to provide Arissa with the best possible care.
The Cochlear Implant Decision: Weighing Risks and Rewards
One of the biggest decisions Irene and her husband faced was whether to proceed with cochlear implant surgery for Arissa. They watched numerous videos and interviews of cochlear implant recipients to understand how the device would integrate into Arissa’s life.
Despite the risks and the nearly 8-hour wait during the surgery, Irene’s faith in her doctor and Arissa’s resilience gave her the strength to move forward.
“We decided early on to proceed with the surgery once her condition was confirmed and she was old enough. Like any parents, we hoped for Arissa to be happy and healthy, able to interact well with others, and find joy in learning and conversations,” Irene explains.
Explaining Childhood Hearing Loss to a Child
Explaining Arissa’s condition and the need for surgery in a way that she could understand was a challenge Irene and her husband faced. They maintained that Arissa is no different from others and that it’s okay to be different. “We wanted Arissa to understand that needing assistance to hear was no different than needing glasses for imperfect eyesight,” Irene shares.
They also prepared Arissa with scenario simulations to help her react and respond confidently when kids at the playground or school ask her about her hearing aids. Irene’s unwavering support and her ability to create a safe environment for Arissa to share and communicate her joys, unhappiness, or any challenges she may face have been instrumental in her daughter’s progress.
Building a Support System
Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who often find themselves navigating uncharted waters, grappling with a lack of knowledge about deafness and the resources available to support their child. These families require comprehensive information and support to effectively communicate and connect with their deaf children. Yet, despite the critical need for guidance, little is known about the systems that exist to assist hearing families with deaf children.
But Irene embodies the struggles and triumphs faced by many parents in similar situations. She emphasizes the importance of a robust support system, not just for her daughter’s specific case but for the overall journey of parenthood.
“We are extremely blessed to have a strong family support system. I think not just for Arissa’s case, but honestly raising a child is not easy and having each other, parents, siblings and in my case Aunty Siti whom we can rejoice and celebrate every little milestone, complain and cry over bad days together is super important,” Irene shares.
Arissa’s teachers at Little Gems Preschool have also been incredibly supportive, taking the time to understand her situation and needs. The EIPIC (Early Intervention Program for Infants and Children) program has been instrumental in providing a targeted approach within a smaller group setting, helping Arissa thrive both academically and socially.
Actually, Engage Education highlights the importance of providing the right support for children with hearing impairments from an early stage. While teaching these children may initially seem daunting, there are numerous strategies and resources available to ensure they receive a comprehensive education and feel fully included in the classroom environment.
Classroom Equipment: Enhancing Communication
One effective strategy is the use of classroom equipment such as a radio aid. This device, a microphone worn by the teacher and connected to the child’s hearing aid, can also be passed around to other pupils during group activities. It helps the child feel integrated and ensures they do not miss crucial information.
The Role of Dedicated Staff
Schools with the resources can greatly benefit from employing dedicated staff, like a communication support worker or learning support assistant. These professionals provide invaluable assistance, allowing the child to receive the focused support they need while enabling the teacher to manage the entire class effectively.
Adapting Teaching Methods
Teaching methods should also be adapted to accommodate hearing-impaired students. Teachers should avoid turning away from the class while speaking and ensure that instructions are clearly understood. Seating the child at the front of the classroom can also be beneficial, as hearing technologies typically have an optimal range of one to three meters.
Collaborating with Parents
Regular meetings with parents are essential for maintaining consistent support between school and home. These discussions allow both parties to address any concerns and monitor the child’s progress. Often, children may express issues to their parents that they feel too embarrassed to mention in class, making this communication channel crucial.
The Support of a ‘Hearing Buddy’
Another supportive measure is assigning a ‘hearing buddy’—a friend who can help relay information when the child cannot wear their hearing aid, such as during sports lessons. This peer support can make a significant difference in the child’s experience and understanding of the lesson.
Preventing Bullying and Fostering Inclusion
Preventing bullying is also a critical aspect of supporting hearing-impaired students. Such children may be more vulnerable to bullying due to their unique teaching arrangements, appearance (such as wearing a hearing aid), or difficulty in picking up social cues. It’s essential to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel safe and valued. For children old enough to navigate online resources, Childline offers valuable advice and support through their ‘Deaf Zone’ website.
Overcoming Challenges: Balancing Responsibilities and Embracing Differences
Irene acknowledges that there have been difficult periods initially, and she’s sure there will be challenges ahead, but it’s about overcoming one obstacle at a time. As a working and first-time parent, juggling kids, work, and other commitments can be hard, but Irene is still finding the balance.
Fortunately, Arissa’s hearing loss hasn’t caused any delays or significant impact on her education or social interactions at this time. Irene’s advice to other parents who have just found out their child has hearing loss is to be there for each other and for their child. “Instead of dwelling on why this happened to us, focus on what you can do moving forward. Have open discussions about the alternatives and constraints before making decisions together,” she encourages.
Hopes, Dreams, and Endless Possibilities
Irene’s biggest hope for Arissa is to see her grow up happy and courageous—to dare to dream big and reach for the stars. “We believe she isn’t limited by anything unless she chooses to clip her own wings. As a family, our goal is to be her safe haven and shelter, a place she can always return to when faced with life’s challenges,” Irene says.
Arissa’s journey has taught Irene that with support and determination, there are many possibilities for a child’s development and future. She emphasizes that parents are not alone in this journey and that there are communities and professionals ready to assist them every step of the way.
Irene’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering support in the face of adversity. Her journey with Arissa serves as an inspiration to all parents, reminding us that every child is unique and deserving of love, acceptance, and the opportunity to thrive.
As Irene and Arissa have shown, the toughest challenges can lead to the greatest victories. Let their story remind you that every child, no matter the obstacles they face, is a beautiful song waiting to be heard.
From Silence to Symphony
So if you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of childhood hearing loss, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to support groups, healthcare professionals, and trusted loved ones for guidance and encouragement. Together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their unique circumstances, can reach their full potential and live a life filled with joy and endless possibilities.
Remember, we aren’t just raising children — we’re raising the future. So let’s make it a future where every note, every voice, and every possibility resounds with clarity and joy.
Because in this grand symphony of life, every child deserves a chance to shine. And the world is ready to listen.
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