Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Quack you my middle child!

I think my daughter, my middle child, might be a little bit "hearing impaired."

Sigh.


That was hard to write.

In my head for tomorrow's post I was going to share with you a funny story about really nothing very important but something a little humorous about getting free ice cream on election day at Ben and Jerry's which prompted the three kids and I to take a walk in our cookie-cutter suburban town to enjoy the ducks in the pond on a beautiful fall day. And the town was filled with other Ohioans appreciating the weather all in good spirits after voting and everyone was so happy but my baby my Fifi was pissed off that the ducks were all gone and she was spilling ice cream all over her corduroy dress and her other hand was waving in despair and she was yelling "Where. Are. You? Quack. Quacks." Only her quack quacks were mispronounced and sounded more like f^ck f^ucks (sorry for my french) and so in a highly populated waspy-town center a beautiful little toddler was walking around with a dripping ice cream cone yelling... "Where are you f^ck f^ucks?" And I nearly peed my pants. Twice. Yesterday. And I hate HATE hate profanity but it was funny. And I had no video camera to record this humorous walk in the park on election day and so I raced home and logged onto youtube and showed her videos of quack quacks and shot her pronouncation of quack quacks posted here. Seriously funny, check it out. Do it before I get all depressed on you.

I have no desire to really describe it in my classy way tonight with adjectives bouncing off my tongue; because, I think my daughter, my middle child, not the one quack quacking, might be a tiny bit deaf. And I am very busy doing what mothers do best.... worrying.

It has consumed me for the last month or so. "What? What? What did you say Mama?" I have heard it at least a million times in the last six weeks and brushed it off as the middle child's selective hearing. "Dude, how many times a day does she ask WHAT?" My husband asked me this past weekend.

Lola, as an infant, had 9 ear infections in one year which prompted our stooooopid pediatrician to finally give us the thumbs up for tubes. We since changed doctors. Our incredible ENT, one of the best at The Cleveland Clinic, admitted that one day perhaps our daughter might be a little "hearing impaired." I was thrilled to cure her of future ear infections I never gave the later a notion.

Until. Yesterday. Lola walked into our master bedroom in the early morning, "I'm scared of the dark, Mama." Without even moving, my face tucked in my pillow, I muttered "Come into my bed." I heard her walk away and so I sat up in bed and called out, "Lola! Come into my bed." She continued to walk away. "LOLA! COME into my bed." She was already at her door. "LOOOOOOOLLLAA!" She slammed her bedroom door. I shot up in bed, threw off the covers, and ran to her room. "Lola, honey. I was talking to you." Her covers were over her head and she didn't move so I threw them off.... "Lola! I'm talking to you."

This. Is only one example and unfortunately I have many others."I didn't know that, Mama. I didn't hear anything."

Dear God, I hope she is playing with me in her naughty middle child seeking attention kind of way. If not, I hope it is a little bit of fluid in her ears that needs to be taken care of with medication/surgery. If not, I hope this is the worst thing that you have planned for my sweet daughter. I can live with that.

Our amazing ENT in our cookie-cutter Ohio town has squeezed us in for Wednesday morning at 10am to re-test her hearing. I should call my father and I wish I could talk to my mother whom is visting her mom, but in all honesty, I just don't want to talk about it. But it is all that I can think about right now. There is nothing else on my mind. Is it just extra fluid?

Oh, the mommy worry.

I am hoping that my mommy-instincts are wrong and after the appointment I can give Lola her first real middle child seeking attention spanking across my lap or maybe if I calm down purchase a pinata and beat the quack out of it all in good fun to celebrate having an attention seeking daughter. I can deal with that.

I hope she is seeking attention. Does anyone know where I can buy a pinata on sale in November? Because I don't know, at this point, whom it would be easier to face an audiologists or a psychologist.

I just want a pinata. Quack.

60classy comments:

Lisa said...

Oh dear sweet OHMommy....my heart hurts for you, because there is nothing worse than fearing that there is something wrong with your little one. I will pray that Lola is playing the ultimate prank on you. But just incase she's not, know that she would have the biggest cheerleader in you & I know you would help her with every resource possible. Now, go have a glass of wine, an extra for me since I can't partake, and try to get a good night sleep!!! Keep us update, K?

Cecily R said...

I had severe ear infections (and still have them, actually) as a kid. My ears were so bad they bled at night. I had four sets of tubes. They said the same thing about my hearing. So far so good. I hope you get the same result, I truly do.

Just as a side note: Isaac acted like his hearing was bad for a while too. Turned out his ears needed to be cleaned out. It. Was. Gross. But it worked.

Good luck friend!

Unknown said...

OHMommy. I have been a silent blog lurker for a long time but this post has brought me out of my silence. I just want you to know that if it does end up that your little Lola is hard of hearing that she will certainly be alright. I've been pretty involved in the Deaf community for large periods of my life. What Deaf and hard of hearing children need most are parents that show them how much they love them, and you show that in spades. Lola will most certainly be okay, no matter what.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Aw, OhMommy. Maybe it's a little of both? My son had chronic ear infections also and had tubes in his ears twice. He finally outgrew them and he also outgrew his hearing problems. Now that his ears aren't full of fluid, he can hear. Maybe she has fluid right now, allergies are going haywire in this season.
I'm praying for y'all, I know this is hard. I laugh now looking back at how I tested my son's hearing....I'd whisper "do you want a cookie?" and when he didn't answer me, I KNEW he couldn't hear! It wasn't funny then but looking back, it makes me smile.

Anonymous said...

HI OHmommy,
I just wanted to let you know that the ENT's are amazing these days. I'm 20, I was born with 3% hearing in one ear, and 7% in the other. Lola's hearing must not be that low if she has learnt to speak at a normal rate? I now have 97% hearing, with only 3 very minor operations, (like, day surgery...) It's amazing what they can do, I havent had surgery in 7 years, and hopefully wont need it again... Keep your chin up, and please keep us posted... xxx

Rachel said...

Girl -- go to the Oriental Trading website; you can get a pinata any time!!! And, I'm nearly 100% positive that you can get a duck one.

I'm soooooo sorry to read your fears about little Lola. I really hope that it is nothing more than middle child antics. I know how scary this is.

I'll be praying for y'all and tomorrow's appointment.

Miss said...

Lets wait and see what the doc says... in the mean time, I'm giving all of you a big squeezy hug.

BTW, that little one is QUITE the potty mouth. Wonder where she got THAT from.... (I'm looking at YOU Murphy!!)

kim-d said...

I am very encouraged by what the other commenters have had to say. And I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you head to Lola's appointment. No matter what happens, I think you should visit Oriental Trading dot com and order up a pinata or two!

{{HUG}}

Anonymous said...

Sweetie, I am here for you one way or the other.

This is the scariest part. The worrying. The wondering. Even if it comes to nothing and she is fine and just has a build up of wax (it can happen, it has happened to a friends child) or something. Right now is the worst time.

I remember it well.

And babe. DO NOT START LAYING BLAME ON YOUR OWN SHOULDERS. I know you are.

<3
Vent to me my lovely, I am a good listener.

Anonymous said...

It is going to be okay.

Even if she has a little hearing thing going on- well...it is not the end of the world. Its not cancer. I know-that was mean to say...but THIS you can HANDLE.

We have to bend and not break.

hang tough. and I had my one sons hearing tested 6 times. Nothing. Nada. He was just fine.

Laura said...

HUGS. I recommend a trip to the dr. With a history of ear infections it may be fluid and you can usually fix that and the hearing comes back. My girl friend is dealing with this right now - she changed her child's diet based on what a homoepathic dr said re ear infections and there was a decrease in fluid in the ears. Now, they are recommending tubes - and claim that with tubes and proper draining his hearing will go back to normal.

HUGS and best wishes that it all get resolved. And no matter how her ears work, she is a wonderful and brilliant little girl - you have no worries or doubt about that.

HUGS/

Tara R. said...

Don't borrow trouble until you get a definitive diagnosis from your ENT. I know it's hard not to worry, that's what mommies do. Worse case scenerio, there are so many things doctors can do now and Lola has the best mommy to help her too.

Anonymous said...

Oh the mommy guilt ... and the mommy worry.

Drive yourself to that PartyCity store and get some pinatas ...

There is always the possibility (as others have said) of wax, fluid ... and if not (as others have said) you're already equipped to get her (and your fam) through this with flying colors! (purples, pinks, yellows and reds!!)

Anonymous said...

Sarah had tubes put in three years ago because she had one ear infection after another and one ruptured. She did have some hearing issues but they said it was from constant fluid on her ears. Her preschool teacher kept telling me they thought she was hearing impaired. It turned out after her tubes she could not stop talking. She could hear very clearly. I pray that all will work out. I know it is scary. It sounds like you have a wonderful doctor. You and Lola will be in my continued prayers. Hang in there. I can see why it was hard to write this post.

Katie Ryan said...

I'm so sorry. My son, when he was a lot smaller, had three sets of ear tubes. As a result he lost some of his hearing. After many trips to the ent, he had a reconstrutive surgery. I wish I could give you the scientific name for it, but I can't remember. Anyway, they took skin from his neck and used it to reconstruct the inner ear. His hearing is wonderful now, and he hasn't had an ear infection in 6 years. Maybe there is something that can be done for your Lola.

Indy said...

She is not hearing impaired. She is Lola. A teacher, a relative, a sitter would have noticed. She is just Lola. Sorry.

Unknown said...

OHMommy, hugs to you as you go through this heartache. The only thing worse than Mommy worry is Mema worry. TOF has had tubes since shortly after his 1st birthday. I'm frantic with worry over every little thing. Please let us know what the ENT says today. I'll say my prayers for you and Lola today.

Susan said...

I hope that you will be smashing a pinata instead of making an audiology appointment. I can't imagine how worrisome this is for you.
I will keep Lola in my prayers.

GypsiAdventure said...

OHMommy - I understand the worry, it is hard to be the mommy and know something might be wrong and yet, still not 'know.' Hopefully everything will turn out ok and it will be just a need for a little extra attention.

Keeping you in my thoughts...
~K

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I know that worry. I hope she is seeking attention like my own middle child, whom I have had legitimate worries over his own hearing about.

If not, well. You will handle it. She can handle it. Life will go on and you will adjust. You are nothing if not incredibly strong. Make the call. Find out so you can stop worrying.

Sending you a huge huge hug...

Jessica said...

Oh goodness! I am happy to hear you got into see the Dr. Have her teacher's commented? Or her siblings? Does she respond when Jay or Hubby call her? I know that sounds funny but I think there is something between lower male voices and mommy voices...although Jay may not be there quite yet :)

I had a spell this summer with Big Boy #1 in the hospital for an undiagnosed stomach bug. 2x. "we don't normally see this in children" puts the mommy worry in overdrive. Then a "sometimes these things just go away" is not the right answer. Now a "Mama, my tummy hurts" puts me into panic mode. Will this happen until they are 18? 21? Will we ever stop worrying?

Keep us updated!

Kelly said...

If you've only noticed it the past 6 weeks or so, I wonder if she's had fluid build up in her ears or something. I'm glad you're going to the Dr though so you can get some answers. Mommy worry is a very hard thing.

Loved the "quack" video. She's too cute.

Stephanie said...

I had chronic ear infections when I was little...as in pus leaking out, ruptured and such and they ENT told me I would probably have some loss, too. Here I am 22 years later and I've still got my hearing perfectly in tack. Here's for the pinata!

3 Peanuts said...

I will be praying it is not anything permanent.

Your "quack" story made me laugh. Will used to call firetrucks...firef^cks. There is a park here called firetruck park that we played at EVERY single day! He would shout it at the park in front of all the mommies and little kids. Nothing a little speech therapy couldn't help (he actually needed it for other issues too).


I can feel your pain. Kate has some hearing loss too.

Let us know and I will pray. Oh and Will did not hear well for a while and we ought those candle things to clean the wax out...it REALLY helped. Some spas offer it as a service too.

Kim

Courtney said...

Oh man, I don't know if that is attention since it was the middle of the night and you were probably giving her what she wanted. Good luck to you and let us know what happens. Poor sweet Lola. I'm going to watch the video now

Rhea said...

I have never heard a toddler say QUACK quite like that. Too cute.

About Lola, I'm so sorry. It is second nature for us mothers to worry. Actually, it's first nature.

I'm glad you're taking her to get tested and see what's going on.

I'm not going to tell you not to worry...just take it one step at a time and deal with things as they come.

Jo Ashline said...

You are doing the right thing by getting her checked out. One step at a time OHmommy. Deep breath. Update us on the results and I know everyone is praying for Lola.

hugs
jo

krissy said...

Slow down momma. I'm not a doctor but it could also be wax buildup which happened to my friend son. He too had numerous ear infections as a infant.

However, if it is what it is....she is still the funniest, cutest, happiest little girl and she may not hear all that well all the time but then again, when she goes to high school and the mean girls talk bad and say mean things like they do, she won't hear it.

Just trying to make a bad situation okay. I'm praying it's just wax or fluid too.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

OHMommy, I hope it's just your second lovely child demonstrating her independence and stubborness.

Let us know what the ENT says today.

And, it might be time to work on that "Q" sound. Wouldn't want the ENT to hear something come out of Fifi's mouth that embarrasses you!

My mom took me for a hearing test when I was little because she thought I was having hearing problems...turns out I was just ignoring her.

Good luck today.

Blessings From Above said...

Adorable story and video of Fifi!

Just said a pray for you that all goes well at the doctors and that whatever the case may be, there is a simple solution. Like beating a pinata. :)

((HUGS))

Miss Lisa said...

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are doing the right thing and everything will be OK. After my issues with Dino, I have learned mommy instinct is powerful and helpful in these times! Don't stop listening to your gut :)

(And I also absolutely HATE fould language--I cringe anytime I hear or see it ;) )

Hailey said...

I hope all goes well at the doctor. You and sweet Lola are in my prayers.

Tami said...

I am hoping that is is just selective hearing or maybe the fluid or wax in the ear. I have seen some wax build up from kids that are shocking, its no wonder they can't hear. I will say a prayer for you and Lola. Good luck!

Elizabeth said...

I know this is a scary time, but just know that IF she is in fact hard of hearing (NOT impaired, please, you don't ever want her to think there is something wrong with who she is), there are amazing support systems out there that allow children to live every bit the enriched life that all children deserve.

I was born with a profound hearing loss, yet I went to public schools in regular classrooms, and I speak so well that I have won speech competitions.

Yes, it will take some diligence on you and your family's side, but things will be amazing.

Good luck at your appointment!

Nan Patience said...

I hope it's nothing, it's probably nothing, but the worrying is a kind of prayer that we moms just have to do! I feel your pain! Quack Quack Quack!! My son occasionally gets wax build up in one of his ears, and when he seems a little hard of hearing, he goes in to the Good Doctor and we get it out, sometimes with the dreaded water pick thingy. Sometimes it's been an ear infection with the moisture stuck behind the wax.

Amy said...

I hope and pray that everything is fine or will be fine.

After reading about your Lola, I wonder if my youngest is a middle child just waiting for a sibling. She has always been attention seeking. She staged a tricycle accident when she was 2 years old right after her older sister fell off her tricycle. She always needs a band-aid when someone else need one. The list could go on and on.
I know this middle child attention seeking syndrome. They can be very convincing. I hope this is what you are facing right now.

Ashley said...

My fingers are crossed that it's nothing - just a little fluid, or maybe a little stubbornness...

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

It could be something as simple as alot of wax. I have seen it many times. Does she turn the TV up very loud? Does she speak with poor pronunciation? If you stand behind her a few feet and talk softly (without her knowing) does she respond? This may help the worry for now.

From a mommy of 3 girls ages 7, 4, 2 all had tubes.

Anonymous said...

I loved the quack quack!

I will definitely be keeping your Lola in mind. I'm crossing my fingers that it's just an impaction in each ear - I get them in my right ear often, and until I go get it flushed out, I can't hear anything on that side.

Fingers are crossed!

Zoeyjane said...

I'm holding on, waiting for you guys. Please let us know. Especially me, since it seems Lola and Iso have more in common than seems possible - Isobel's had, I kid you not, no less than 14 ear infections. Always both ears, always severe. Hearing loss is something that's concerned me greatly.

Noob Mommy said...

I hope everything turns out ok and there is a harmless explanation! Poor thing...

Caroline C. Bingham said...

oy, the ears. No fun. I have 2 kids with really severe ear problems, and when they're infected, they can't hear a word. BUT they get infections SO MUCH, that it doesn't even phase them anymore. So half the time, we're getting a regular check-up and I find out that someone has a double ear infection. and yes, Tad's had so many that he can't hear low frequencies... ANYWAYS.

That she can hear a little is promising. Try not to worry. The things they can do these days is AMAZING to way the very least. Good luck!

AEH said...

Oh no. That's horrible to hear. I hope there is remedy for her hearing loss, if it is true.

As far as the pinata, any major party supply store will have it if you're serious. Like Party City (http://www.partycity.com/)

Mama Smurf said...

I'm so sorry for your worry.

But...ok...worst case scenario....if she IS a little hearing impaired...there's SO much they can do for her. Seriously.

I've wondered for awhile about my own middle child. He never had ear infections growing up but I swear he only hears 1/2 of what I say.

Thinking of you and your family. Keep us updated.

Momo Fali said...

Same thing happened with my son, only we knew he couldn't hear and kept telling doctor's and they would give him hearing tests and say he PASSED them! Finally, when he was old enough (four years old) to have a "big boy" hearing test, we found out he had a 50% hearing loss. Tubes have done wonders for his speech. I mean, no WONDER the kid couldn't talk! Tubes were by FAR the easiest of the eight surgeries my guy has had. Piece of cake! (I know, easy for me to say...right?)

Kj said...

OHMommy my heart goes out to you. I can relate. My first born is deaf in one ear. She cannot hear a thing from one ear and soley relies on her "hearing" ear to locate sound from her environment and speech. It was something she was born with and the first years were a great worry. Seeing your child unresponsive to sound really plucks at your mommy heart strings. Any ear infection/colds is scary business.

Though I realize my duaghter's case is not the same as your middle child, I want to offer you some reassurance. Children who are hearing imparied are very resiliant and adaptable and do just fine in the big wide world.

So while it is a worry to think about and a worry to think your child may be missing out or suffering in some way -- she is more than likely doing a lot better than you imagine in your mommy brain. And with a little bit of faith, it'll be just a little fluid or something very fixable.

Big hugs, and remember how great a mommy you are. 'cos with you, she'll be able to handle anything that comes her way.

K

Kj said...

p.s. hearing loss can also be picked up if your child is speaking louder... it's usually very noticable in my daughter when she has a cold and is congested. If your daughter is just asking to repeat things a lot it could be her way of getting one on one attention; especially with the example you gave about getting you out of bed.

just a thought...

Rachel said...

The quacking, the f^^king is the funnies thing ever. I love it.

No matter the outcome, you will handle it with class and wisdom and be an example for us all.

She could very well have severely clogged ears. It's possible. My brother was like that. We thought he was hearing impaired and when we went to a wonderful ENT we learned his ears were clogged with wax, no infection. Just wax.

It could happen. I will add super special prayers for my darling Lola and her even more precious to me mommy.

Unknown said...

I hope she was just being naughty too... Not sure I've ever left a comment that said that before! ; )

Tyne said...

OhMommy, I will pray for Lola and that her needs would be met perfectly... either through a good ENT or some good TLC, and that you would have wisdom as a mommy (and a great one, you are!).

I have been praying for Jay, too, since the school bus incident. Anything come of that?

Anyway, I live in the land of pinatas, so if you would like me to send you one, I can have it custom made- maybe a duck with tubes in its ears, holding an ice cream cone?

The Daily Stroll said...

I will keep you and Lola in my thoughts and prayers. Jonah had several ear infections as well before it was determined that he was a candidate for tubes. He's been through the surgery twice because one fell out after 6 months. My ENT said that sometimes it's normal for their ears to get clogged up even after the surgery so hopefully that's all it is.

Victoria said...

Deep breath. It might just be wax buildup. Even if she isn't hearing 100% normally that doesn't mean it is going to get worse so don't borrow trouble yet. Good luck and hugs.

Heather said...

Hoping along with you it's nothing serious and maybe middle child attention seeking behavior too.

Good luck!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I wouldn't be able to focus on anything either....I am sure it is consuming you right now, but try to take a deep breath and stay optimistic. Sounds like you are in excellent hands with the ENT in your area.

Will be thinking about you....let us know when you get more info.

Sending bug hugs from PA!

PS...the video is hilarious.....my son had problems saying "truck"

Flea said...

I think quack is a very good word for you to use when frustrated and upset. It works beautifully. And now that I've read the most recent post, I'm so relieved that it's something they can take care of easily. My youngest had tonsils and adenoids out this summer - surgery was about 20 minutes. Went beautifully. Lots of slushies and ice pops.

Stephanie said...

this is a totally delayed comment that I starred in my reader and forgot to come back to. My one-year old spends a lot of time in public talking about Dora the explorer and friends. Unfortunately her pronunciation of Swiper the FOX doesn't come with the correct X pronunciation (think CK), so even though my husband thinks it's hilarious, I have to spend a lot of time squelching Dora talk in general.

Monica said...

Just a short note saying I'm praying for you and little Lola. Sweet video. love, m

Jaina said...

::hugs:: I'm praying that it's just temporary fluid or that her ears need to be cleaned out.

CC said...

Hugs! I wish I had read this yesterday. But I am glad for the happier ending today!

CC said...

Oh, and my post this evening is about hearing too!

 

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