21/02/2022
Nina Lalonde is a mother of little Ariane whom contracted meningitis since she was 5 months old and left her deaf. Nina Lalonde and her husband would take turns sitting by Ariane’s side at night while she was in the hospital. She had to do a hearing test because meningitis can cause hearing loss. During the test, Nina could tell from the look on the audiologist’s face that something was wrong. Then the audiologist told Nina, “I regret to inform you that your daughter is profoundly deaf in both ears.”
Ariane has a minor kidney problem that is hereditary and that lead to a urinary infection. The bacteria spread and she developed meningitis. That’s why Nina’s husband felt he was to blame. As for Nina part, she couldn’t stop thinking that she was about to lose the ability to communicate with her daughter.
Not long after, the pediatrician came by and assured Nina and her husband that Ariane could have a very good life despite her handicap. Then, the audiologist discussed the option of cochlear implants to help her hear. They decided to go ahead with the operation.
Nina expressed that “I let Ariane and her determination carry me through. Of course, I was sad. I sang her lullabies knowing full well that she couldn’t hear me. That made me cry. I consulted a psychologist at the IRDPQ, the Quebec City rehab centre for people with physical disabilities. It felt good to talk to someone neutral.”
As for Ariane, she’s been able to hear since she was 6 months old thanks to the cochlear implants. She’s 5 now and doing well. She even sees a positive side to her handicap : she can unplug her device to play quietly, in her bubble.
Source: https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/feature/kids-with-special-needs/
