We had another mapping yesterday. I spent about 3 hours on the road, and we were at the audiologist for about 5 hours (that includes a lunch break at the hospital cafeteria, fortunately) but it was VERY worth it. It is the 6th anniversary of Elliot's first activation, and it is amazing to think how far he has come. We tweaked his maps, especially his new side, which is only a little over a year old. He had been complaining that it was "too soft."

But the most difference occurred in Oliver's map. Again, it was turned up considerably because we did ESRT on 6 or 7 electrodes while he napped! Incredibly, they showed that his MCL (maximum comfort level) was much higher than we had thought. I am a big believer in ESRT now, and I have been amazed at his progress in expressive language in less than 24 hours. Clearly he has had the awareness of sound, but has been struggling in some frequencies to hear WELL. Now that he's hearing better, he can copy us. I sat outside with him last night as we waited for trick or treat time, and I touched a bush with sharp leaves. I said "ouch" and he said "oush!" Previously he has said "aw" for "guitar," but last night it became a two syllable sound. He made his first "k" sound when we told him to give daddy a kiss. "up" has gone from "uh" to "up." Kitty cat was said for the first time when I read a book this morning-- "tat tat." Amazing.

How can this much change take place so rapidly? All I can say is that he is scaffolding rapidly based on the language awareness that he already had, and now with improved hearing he is taking off. Obviously mapping still takes time, but now I believe we are set for some time. It was worth the drive!

We await even greater things.