Hearing test – revised version.

I was a bit upset yesterday. I know.

It took a nights sleep to realise that they were actually pretty cool at the ear doctor’s. When the meter test wasn’t working, they tried another method. Probably not as scientifically reliable, but still.

Abbe was put in a room with two boxes. One at his right and one at his left. Not many one year olds will accept wearing headphones or manage pressing buttons so they use these boxes instead. With an intricate litte reward system to go with them.

Beeps came from the two boxes at different times and Abbe was being carefully monitored. If he looked towards the beeping box a lamp with a funny figure would light on it, as a reward for him having done the right thing. Children love stuff like that, and they’ll want to get the box right every time.

Abbe got a fright, though. When the lamp lit up and the funny figure started jumping around, he started crying. The test was then done without the reward bit and Abbe’s hearing seemed good. We were asked to return in six months time to try the “thing-in-ear-test” again, maybe it’ll work out then.

You wish.

Hearing test.

Dear one year old. If you just hold still for a while, this man is going to put a little thing into your ear. You then have to sit still and be completely quiet for about ten seconds so that we can do this test. We have to check your ears, you see, since many children with your diagnosis have problems with their ears. Hold still now, and be quiet while I hold this echo sounder in your ear. For ten seconds.

What were they thinking?

Dearest big brother.

It’s not an easy job being the brother of someone who’s sick, for real. Abbe’s brother had to grow up so fast when Abbe was born. We ask so much patience of him, so much responisbility and consideration. Way too much to ask of a two year old, really. It hurts. He’s young.

Because things are the way they are around mealtimes, Abbe’s brother has had to step back an awful lot. If Abbe is to eat at all he needs peace and quiet.

When I sat down to feed Abbe today big brother came along. “Oh, are you feeding Abbe? I can go to my room if you like?”

Sweetheart. Your life shouldn’t have to be like this, you’re only two and a half.