Slight hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds in the range 20 to 25 dB.
Mild hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds in the range 26 to 40 dB.
Moderate hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds in the range of 40-55 dB.
Moderately-severe hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds in the range of 56-70 dB.
Severe hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds in the range of 71-90 dB.
Profound hearing loss is defined as hearing thresholds above 90 dB.

This first audiogram on the top shows Miles deficit in 2004 when we first learned of his hearing loss. He was approximately 18 months old. Typically you will see average (15-20db) as shown in the blue line for normal hearing. As you can see, Miles was considered to range in hearing loss from moderate to severe in his hearing loss. This report did not take into account that he had no access in the left side nor does it account for only 20% of an ear drum in the left ear. So, for the first 18 months of Miles life he went with little access to hearing and the next few years as many of you recall he was improperly aided so never really got past this level of hearing loss. Sound came in once aided after 2 years old, but never clear language. For the first 5 years, Miles was really without access to our world of hearing anything other than muffled noise.

CELEBRATE!
Miles is now 6 1/2...the road has been long but we feel so blessed to share our news! Our brave young boy has now endured 2 major reconstructive surgeries, had his ears removed, ear canals built, an ear drum built and is able to "tell" us now what is going on in his world.

Based on yesterday’s audiogram on the bottom (1.6.09), Miles has ranges from slight to mild hearing loss! Thanks to the wonders of science and our amazing, kind and loving Dr. Shohet both surgeries have proven to be everything we could have hoped and more! Miles will no longer be wearing hearing aides based on our conversation with the school audiologist today and will be working hard on his language with the help of his teachers and family to close the gap! We feel confident that if we continue to work hard on all the right language needs, Miles will continue to thrive and do great amongst his peers.

Thank you all for your love and support...Cheers to 2009!

Lots of love,

Jen, Steve, Shane, Luke and Miles