Meghna’s Journey: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Milestones

In this month’s blog, we are featuring the story of Meghna, an extraordinary mother who has shown remarkable courage and acceptance in navigating the unique challenges faced by her children. Her journey is one of resilience, love, and unwavering support as she helps her daughter overcome profound hearing loss and stands by her elder child’s decision to embrace a new identity. This inspiring story highlights the power of acceptance and the importance of creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive, no matter the obstacles they face.

When we started to worry….

Idika was always a happy child, even before she could hear. However, around the age of 10 months, Meghna began to notice something unusual—Idika wasn’t babbling like other children her age. With a home full of people constantly interacting with her, it seemed odd that she hadn’t reached this developmental milestone, especially since her elder sibling had started speaking at 10 months and walking by 12. The concern grew when Idika turned one and began to struggle with balance while walking. She also showed no reaction to loud noises, such as bursting crackers or barking dogs. This led the family to question whether she had trouble hearing.

Getting help and understanding hearing loss

Their first step was to consult Idika’s paediatrician, who referred them to Dr. Ameet Kishore, an ENT surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. The prospect of visiting a surgeon for a hearing check-up was daunting. After undergoing several tests—BERA, OAE, a CT scan, and an MRI—it was confirmed that Idika had sensor neural hearing loss in both ears. The diagnosis was a shock, as it would be for any parent. The initial denial was overwhelming, filled with questions: Would hearing aids help with such profound hearing loss? Would she ever be able to speak? What would her future look like? These thoughts swirled in her parents’ minds as they embarked on a frantic search for solutions.

Initially, they were only aware of hearing aids, but Dr. Ameet explained that in Idika’s case, hearing aids wouldn’t be sufficient, and cochlear implants would be necessary. The journey that followed was an emotional roller coaster. Idika eventually received two cochlear implants, one for each ear. The day her first implant was activated, she was almost two years old. The first sounds she heard and her reactions were heart-warming, and Meghna felt a deep sense of gratitude that they were able to help her

Overcoming challenges and getting everyone involved

What followed was a four-year journey of intensive speech therapy. They started with basic exercises—pronouncing alphabet sounds, identifying colours, sounds, and shapes. The road was long, with both happy and challenging days. Meghna even decided to quit her job to focus entirely on her daughter’s progress. The effort paid off when Idika was accepted into a reputable school.

Raising a child with hearing difficulties brought its own set of challenges. One of the most significant was ensuring that Idika understood the importance of consistently wearing her implants and listening as much as possible to aid her speech development. The family created an environment where everyone contributed, from reading bedtime stories to engaging in various activities designed to enhance her speech. However, keeping Idika engaged in therapy was sometimes difficult, and the progress could be slow, which was disheartening. Yet, they persevered.

The implants themselves presented challenges, especially in understanding different dialects or accents. Idika’s family made sure to speak slowly and clearly so she could understand. They also taught her the importance of keeping her implants safe, particularly when she was at school or outside.

While Idika required special attention, her elder sibling also faced significant life changes…

Balancing the needs of both children, each with unique situations, was another aspect of this journey. While Idika required special attention due to her hearing loss, her elder sibling also faced significant life changes. The elder child had expressed a desire to change the name and identity, a process that wasn’t entirely surprising to the family. From a young age, the kid had shown a preference for dressing like a boy. The lockdown provided time for introspection, leading to the realization that a deeper change was necessary. Although Meghna was initially reluctant, she eventually embraced her child’s decision, and they found themselves in a much happier space.

As the elder child returned to school after lockdown with a new identity, the family was concerned about potential teasing, bullying, and the challenges that might arise. However, the school was supportive, and the transition was smooth. The teachers, too, were understanding and accommodating, which eased the process for the family.

Focusing on love and family support

Throughout these experiences, the family has learned to block out external judgments and negativity, focusing instead on the love and support they provide within the family. For Meghna, the most rewarding moments include hearing her daughter respond to her name in a crowded place and uttering her first words. As for her hopes and dreams, she wishes for her elder child to become a renowned chef and open a restaurant, while for Idika, she envisions a future that may involve the fashion industry or helping her brother with his restaurant.

Through all these challenges, Meghna’s advice to other parents is simple: listen to your children patiently, understand their needs, and provide support. The world can be brutal, but by ensuring your child knows they have someone to rely on, you give them the strength to face any challenge.

Meghna’s journey reminds us that as parents, our greatest strength lies in our ability to embrace and accept our children for who they are. Her story teaches us the importance of listening, understanding, and providing unwavering support, even in the face of unexpected challenges. By creating an environment where our children feel loved and validated, we empower them to grow into their true selves. Meghna’s example is a powerful reminder that acceptance is the foundation upon which our children’s confidence and happiness are built, and it’s a lesson we can all carry forward in our own parenting journeys.