Can You Hear Me Now?

We could get used to hearing news like we heard today about McKay's ears. And thankfully now we know whatever we hear, McKay will too. After failing two Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE) auditory screenings and having some of the risk factors associated with hearing loss including the use of strong antibiotics and a long stay in ICU, McKay was referred for a more intensive Auditory Brain Stem Response (ABR) test. All fancy names and expensive tests to find out that (hooray!) Mr. Mac will never be able to tell me, "I didn't hear you, mom."

As you can see from the pic, McKay was out cold for the test. This because I was told to sleep deprive the poor dear to avoid having to sedate him which is always more risky for his heart. I did insane things to keep McKay awake today for his 3 pm evaluation including using the occasional kiss of an ice pack during the ride to the hospital to make sure he didn't visit dreamland too early. Borderline abusive--I know. But it worked. He was all too happy to give in to sleep when we finally let him and was a perfect patient during the testing.

Basically the test measured McKay's brain's response to sound. Earpieces placed in his ear canals conducted sound while electrodes on his forehead and just behind his earlobes tracked the sound moving through the ear to the brain. We were more than relieved to hear the tech say everything looked perfect.

They advised us to pay attention to his language development and still want to see McKay again in a year or two to double check the findings, but as far as the little dear's ears go we are free and clear for now. Thank you so much for all your prayers and concern~ I truly believe God knows we can only take one challenge at a time!