His hearing could be restored through the fitment of two cochlear implants, but the procedure would cost the family upwards of R500 000.<\/p>\n
Through the generosity of the community and the family\u2019s tenacious fund-raising efforts, Jordan was able to have the life-changing operation.<\/p>
\u201cWe can\u2019t believe that it\u2019s been a year since Jordan first received the gift of hearing,\u201d said Nicoleen.<\/p>\n \u201cOur whole world has changed since Jordan received his implants; his right ear on October 20, 2015 and the left ear on January 19, 2016.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this month we are celebrating the incredible milestone of a whole year since the implants became fully functional.\u201d<\/p>\n The family has had an incredible year, with Jordan growing and learning every day.<\/p>\n \u201cJordan has developed from a shy and timid boy to a confident little man who can speak, identify body parts and say more than a hundred other words.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is no different to your average little two-year-old boy,\u201d said Nicoleen.<\/p>\n Jordan\u2019s new confidence means he now loves socialising and making new friends.<\/p>\n He loves music and will dance along to his favourite songs, something that seemed like nothing more than a dream for the family just a year earlier.<\/p>\n The implants have also drastically improved his balance, which means he is now able to ride a push scooter or bicycle.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery parent hopes for the best life for their little one, not knowing what the future will hold.<\/p>\n \u201cBecoming increasingly aware that your child is different and may have a different life because of things outside of your control is devastating,\u201d Nicoleen said, reflecting on the past.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best part of my day now is having a conversation with Jordan when he comes home from school, just listening as he tells me what his day was like.\u201d<\/p>\n Jordan\u2019s parents have also noticed that their baby boy is even happier than he was and seldom becomes frustrated.<\/p>\n \u201cHe used to become frustrated because he could only react to facial expressions. Now that he can hear we are able to explain things to him so that he understands,\u201d said Nicoleen.<\/p>\n There are, however, some drawbacks to the devices. For one, they are not waterproof, so whenever Jordan goes swimming or has a bath, his parents have to ensure they have a waterproof kit fitted and, of course, the batteries need to be changed regularly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe effort is worth it because Jordan can hear everything around him all the time.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere our main concerns used to be whether we\u2019d remembered to pack an extra nappy or snack or T-shirt when we went out, they are now if we\u2019ve remembered the spare batteries and waterproof kit,\u201d said Nicoleen.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause Jordan sleeps without the devices we usually ease him into hearing again in the morning by whispering for a few minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cOur little rituals are now a part of our daily lives, and we appreciate every second of these special rituals because it\u2019s a reminder that we didn\u2019t always have this.\u201d<\/p>\n The family hopes to help other families by sharing their experience and educating as many people as possible on the journey they have been through.<\/p>\n \u201cWe feel that we\u2019ve learnt so much, and would love to speak to other families to help them to understand the journey ahead better,\u201d said Nicoleen.<\/p>\n Nicoleen and dad Dwyne once again thanked everyone who helped their dream become a reality and look forward to the future, with their special Jordan.<\/p>\n Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n Help Jordan hear<\/a><\/p>\n Jordan gets his first cochlear implant<\/a><\/p>\n Sounds come alive for Jordan<\/a><\/p>\n![\"06](\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2017\/02\/06-GCN-GENERAL-JORD-LH-3-Custom.jpg\")
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