Not many things are more wonderful than watching a small child discover the world around them. Joy is added to the most routine tasks by children with the fresh and unaffected perspective they bring to every situation.There are times when circumstances restrict the ability of a child to perceive and experience the world around them. This is troublesome to parents who care for their children and want the best for them.
It is certain you have seen a video of a child’s first time hearing their parents voice. However, this situation is truly unique.
Scarlett weighed only three pounds when she was born three months prematurely. She developed a condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis. The condition led to the loss of her hearing.Scarlett’s parents have attempted everything they could think of in attempts to restore the hearing of their child. Her mother, Carol Benjamin, explains her and her husband traveled constantly to cities like Augusta, Milledgeville, and Athens to find answers for their daughter. Carol says they could not find anyone who could get a good read on their daughter’s scans.
The couple finally managed to get hearing aids custom made for Scarlett. When they took Scarlett to try out the hearing aids, the effects were both immediate and dramatic. Her father, Benjamin, shared the moment on Facebook. The video went viral.
He explained that his family did not initially recognize the extent of his daughters hearing problems. The reason is she reacted to most sound. He says he can definitely see the difference now. Benjamin also took a moment to thank Atlanta Hearing Associates in Milledgeville.Benjamin asked that the world share in the joy of his family in their happiest moment.
Scarlett’s sister chants the words ‘baby sister’ to her in the video. A few seconds later, Scarlett erupted into laughter. The laughs of the young girl were deep and belly shaking laughs of pure joy.
Next, Scarlett let out a few screams. It was obvious she was amazed at the sound of her own voice. The moment began to overwhelm her and a few moments later she began to cry. But in seconds she was laughing again.Benjamin says he is sure it is the first time his daughter has heard any sounds with complete clarity. He says his family is blessed to have a more complete Scarlett now. He says his daughter is much more active and makes many more attempts at speech than she did in the past. The impact the hearing aids have on her life is clear to see.
Benjamin says he is happy the video was liked and shared by so many people. He says he appreciates the support from viewers and is happy his family’s journey has provided inspiration to others.
Scarlett’s father finished by saying he seeks to bring more awareness to a subject that not many people talk about. He said the experience was terrifying for his family and his heart goes out to families in similar situations. He also wants them to know a light truly exists at the end of the tunnel.Did you cry along with Scarlett and her family while watching the video? Did the joy she felt at hearing her own voice for the first time put a smile on your face? Send the video of Scarlett’s special moment to a friend. It will brighten even the most dreary of days.