Mason Procknow
Trust your gut and do your own research. Think of what would be the best fit for your child within your family/home life. Ultimately, it will be the right choice. Seek out other families in your area with a similar story, see how and what they have (overcome). And, no matter what, never let anything get in your way of doing what is best for your child.
Early Diagnosis
Like many children, Mason’s hearing difficulties were diagnosed thanks to the help of newborn hearing screenings.
“He was diagnosed with severe/profound hearing loss at eight weeks old,” said Karina, Mason’s mother. “Oregon was one of the 33 states at the time when Mason was born that did mandatory hearing screenings on newborns before they left the hospital.”
Hearing Well and Thriving
“After having bilateral cochlear implants at eleven months and 14 months, Mason said his first word, ‘mama,’ at 16 months old,” said Karina.
“He never hit a roadblock in his world of auditory oral life. Mason is (currently) seven years old and in mainstream first grade. He went from the lowest reading group to the highest in six months! He is incredibly active. He has been playing baseball three years now. This year with a personal FM system (a personalized microphone that his teachers and coaches can wear to better connect their voices to Mason’s hearing devices), (he is able to) get individual instructions from the coaches!”
Why Mason is a HearStrong Champion
“Mason is a champion for life. He has already inspired so many and brought awareness to our community. He is such a beautiful, sweet, smart, awesome young man that is sure to do great things in his life!”
Karina also has this advice for any parent who is unsure if hearing devices are the right option for their hard-of-hearing child:
Nominate a Champion
HearStrong Champions are individuals with hearing loss who are dedicated to inspiring and empowering others. Sound like someone you know? Nominate them today!
