Luke Skywalker
Super Moderator
{vb:raw ozzmodz_postquote}:
Implant gives Texas girl the gift of hearing.(Photo: WFAA)
DALLAS — "No" is one of the first words in a child's vocabulary. But it has taken Jiya Bavishi six years to say it.
Born profoundly deaf for unknown reasons, Jiya's parents wanted her to have the gift of speech.
Cochlear implants didn't work.
In May, the now six-year-old Frisco girl became one of the first in the country to receive an experimental brain surgery in North Carolina. Instead of stimulating the ear, an auditory brain implant, or ABI, stimulates the brainstem.
Days after an eight-hour operation, cell phone video shows the moment Jiya heard something. She wasn't scared, but simply pointed to her ear, as if noticing something new.
She's been in intense speech therapy for several months since the operation.
Speech therapist Linda Daniel of HEAR in Dallas said it's clear the implant is working. Jiya is now learning the meaning of sound, much like a baby. Although the sounds aren't refined, Jiya is mimicking sounds and learning to respond without sign language or lip-reading.
"She's already far exceeded what the implant center told us to expect," Daniel said. "We were told, 'Don't expect anything for a year or two... even responses to sound.' But you can see she's not only responding to sound, but in a quite a sophisticated way."
No one knows the long term quality or fluidity of the speech Jiya will learn. But the ABI is considered breakthrough technology for deaf candidates who meet specific criteria.
"Anything she says, we love it," admits Jiya's father, Jatin Bavishi. "We just want her to continue."
Jatin said he has listened to and answered criticism from the deaf community about the risks of the surgery. Many also believe that being deaf is not a handicap that should be corrected.
Jatin said he and his wife have no regrets, and Jiya seems to enjoy experiencing new sounds.
One word this dad hopes his daughter never learns is the word "impossible."
Here at the USA TODAY network, not only do we want to provide you with the current events of the day, but also a little dose of inspiration while you're getting your news fix. Inspiration Nation is our way of providing you with that jolt of good news to bring a smile to your day.
73 years after birth, son kisses mom for first timeAfter decades of obituary searches, calls to strangers and cross-country trips in search of relatives, Charles Bruce Pate kissed his mother for the first time. He was 73, she 88. VPC
See more video
All-terrain wheelchair gives wounded vet freedomAn improvised explosive device nearly killed U.S. Marine Michael Fox in 2011. He lost both his legs and injured his left arm in the explosion. Thanks to a gift from the Freedom Alliance, Fox has gotten some of mobility back. VPC
See more video
What janitor does for his employees will inspire youAfter moving to America from the African nation of Togo, this man got a job as a janitor but spoke no English. Fifteen years later, he encourages his immigrant employees to learn the language and get a college education like he did. VPC
See more video
Bet you can't run a mile faster than this 74-yr-oldA 74-year-old veteran is the two-time world champion for the treadmill mile in his age group. He uses a mix of speed and endurance to inspire injured veterans to keep going. VPC
See more video
Move over Tooth Fairy, these kids prefer the Nail FairyYou always hope to be the person who walks into a room and everyone is happy to see you. This is always the case for the Nail Fairy. This fairy does manicures. And she has some very special clientele. VPC
See more video
This man needs your help finding his dadA D.C. man is turning to social media in hopes that it can connect him with a long lost father he has never met. VPC
See more video
Boy's quick thinking saves dad after falling off cliffA California boy called 911 after his dad fell off a cliff while hiking. Emergency responders credit his quick thinking for saving his father's life. VPC
See more video
See Seahawks fan's sweet gesture to young Packers fanA Seattle Seahawks fan gave his football jersey to a young Green Bay Packer's fan after the team lost on Sunday. The warm gesture has touched the boy's family and the Seattle community. VPC
See more video
You won't believe what class this 100-year-old teachesA 100-year-old woman shares her secret on how she manages to stay so young. VPC
See more video
5-year-old's passion for golf changes his lifeMaverick Steiner has spent much of his short life in and out of the hospital, but that hasn't stopped the 5-year-old from doing what he loves, playing golf. VPC
See more video
140 lbs later, man achieves New Year's resolutionAt 5'7 and 350 pounds, Darrell Dunn was desperate to lose weight. Now after five years of hard work and dedication Dunn is diabetes free and down 140 pounds. VPC
See more video
This 'old' mom runs so fast, she may be Olympics-boundThough this mom didn't run her first marathon until she was 37, she now has the chance to qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Time Trials. VPC
See more video
Self-taught 7-yr-old shocks family with bagpipe skillsEvery little boy wants to be like his dad. But when Luke Stewart tried to copy his dad's new bagpiping hobby, no one expected he'd be this good at it. VPC
See more video
Last VideoNext Video
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed