My son has been diagnosed with unilateral loss in his right ear. The structures needed to hear did not develop, so there is no chance of hearing in that ear. The reading suggests that right ear loss can lead to more difficulty with the development of speech and language (left brain). Should we use an FM device? Do you offer programming that could help us if we were to fly to CA from Ohio? -June

Dear June,
Dear June,
You certainly have been doing excellent research! A recent article from the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/14/14ear.html?th) provides some interesting information about unilateral right ear hearing loss. Audiologists have always recommended that a child with a unilateral loss be placed in the front row in school, and recently the use of an FM system has also been suggested. You will want to talk to your audiologist about that when Benjamin is a bit older. Since he is only nine months old now, an FM system is not necessary. You can provide your little fellow with a "language rich" environment by talking, singing, and reading to him. If you find any speech delay when he reaches two years of age, you might find a good speech therapist to give an extra boost before he begins school.
And although we'd love to meet you and Benjamin, you really don't need to travel all the way to California to have an FM system set for him. Ohio has excellent audiologists working within their school system. But feel free to write with any questions you have --- the more audiologic information you have, the better you can help your little fellow. Just remember to talk, talk, talk to him!
Please write if you have more questions or need more information. Sincerely,
Kathleen Sutherland