Lynne and Travis Consevage, a couple living in Indiana, USA, learned that their daughter Zoey was completely deaf when she was two months old. Doctors determined that a genetic cause present in both parents led to this condition. When Zoey was 10 months old, her family decided to have her undergo cochlear implant surgery. This device helps individuals who are deaf or have severe hearing loss to perceive sounds. A few weeks after the surgery, on April 25, the implant was activated. The moment the implant was turned on for the first time was recorded on camera. In the video, when Travis calls his daughter's name, Zoey immediately turns to her father. Mother Lynne recalls that moment, saying, "Oh my God, it worked!" Now two years old, Zoey does not use the implant every day. When she is not using it, she communicates using sign language. Her family started learning sign language as soon as they found out Zoey was deaf. Lynne says, "Sometimes when she is sick, she can experience hearing fatigue and wants to turn off her implant." However, the implant has opened up a world of new experiences for Zoey. The parents note that watching their daughter learn to speak, sing for the first time, and dance is very special. Lynne adds, "These big moments have become so much more meaningful." This emotional story shows how modern medicine can change the lives of deaf children and gives hope to families.
|