Hello Everyone!
Sorry it’s taken so long to update you, but things have been moving at a generally Peruvian pace. On Monday, I took Leonel back to the clinic and we bought his hearing aid! On the doctor’s recommendation, he’s only using one at the moment, and only at school, where the teachers can keep an eye on him as he gets used to wearing it.
Last night, I went for dinner (roast guinea pig) at his house, which is about a 20 minute walk from the nearest town. With his whole family, we went through how to use and care for the hearing aids, and different activities they can to with him to help develop his speech.
This week, we also found out that due to a new government policy starting in March 2012, all children with hearing difficulties must be enrolled in regular schools, meaning that we supported him just in time. I’m sure it will still be somewhat overwhelming for him at the beginning, but without these hearing aids he would really have been completely lost, entering a first grade classroom still unable to speak, hear or sign.
Leonel has been amazing about having the hearing aid in. He’s taking good care of it, taking the batteries out and storing it everyday after school. He gives me a huge smile and points to his ear every time I come visit, so proud that he’s keeping it safe. His mom says that he’s become more vocal, even when he’s at home. Over the Christmas holidays he’s going to take the hearing aid home for the first time and his whole family has committed to making sure he uses it and stores it properly. They’re all very curious about you, this faraway group of people who have come together to provide something so important to their family. I always tell them how lucky I am, to know so many amazing people in so many places, and they of course agree.
To keep this email to a manageable size, I’ve included here just one photo, of Leonel and I at the clinic. He’s holding up the accessories and batteries that go with the hearing aid.
I’m still working on finding him a qualified speech therapist for January. Thanks to your generosity, there is money to pay for this and a year’s worth of hearing aid batteries! I’ve worked out a system with his mom, where she will buy them and we will subsidize half the cost, because I want her and the family to be involved, as they are ultimately responsible for their son. In any case, this means that the money will be used over the next 2 years.
I’ll keep sending updates as he progresses. As always, muchas, muchas gracias y Feliz Navidad!
- Julia
Our lovely doctor fitting the hearing aid.
All ready to go.
