Lorenzo Julian Valenzuela was born on October 23, 2013. Since birth, Enzo showed signs of a healthy and normal baby boy – fascinated and attentive of his surroundings. However, on his seventh month, Enzo's mom, Kat, noticed that he doesn't respond when she calls his name. Moreover, there seemed to be a delay on his speech.
Without a second thought, Kat brought Enzo to his pediatrician. On June 2014, he had his first Otoacoustic Emisstion Test (OEA). This is the test used for newborn hearing screening for infants. Unfortunately, the pediatrician missed to require Kat about the newborn hearing screening when Enzo was born.
Enzo underwent the Otoacoustic Emission Test twice (OEA) in two different clinics to get a second opinion.
On July 2014, Enzo underwent the Brainstem Auditory Evoke Response (BAER) test and the Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR). According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, BAER is a test to measure the brain wave activity that occurs in response to clicks or certain tones. It helps diagnose nervous system problems and hearing loss.
Enzo is asleep while taking the Brainstem Auditory Response Test (BAER).
Mommy Kat holding Enzo while he is undergoing ASSR
Results show that Enzo has Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss. Below is the complete medical profile of Enzo from the Capitol Medical Center.
Medical Profile:
Diagnosis: Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss
Imaging Studies:
CT Scan: Bilateral cochlear hypoplasia (Capitol Medical Center, 7-9-14)
MRI: Bilateral cochlear hypoplasia
(Capitol Medical Center, 7-9-14)
ABR & ASSR Studies
ABR: Abnormal BAER study both ears showing bilateral moderate to severe hearing loss. (Clinical neurophysiology lab, Capitol Medical Center, 6-24-14)
ASSR: ASSR results indicate Profound Hearing Loss, both ears.
(Jul. 12, 2014)
Several monthly aided tests have been conducted at the American Hearing Company of the Philippine Children's Medical Center and the Madriaga Hearing Care Center. However, results still failed and hearing is profound. Currently, Enzo is using hearing aids.
Below is the summary of of Dr. Chiong's findings:
Summary:
Lorenzo Julian Valenzuela 1 year old boy was diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss. The hearing loss was confirmed by ABR, ASSR Studies and Aided Threshold Test. Lorenzo used hearing aids but still he was not able to manifest language and speech development appropriate for his age. As studies showed and as proven by the experiences of other patients, this degree of hearing loss will lead to the non-development of spoken language on the part of the patient unless intervention is done.
In this case, Cochlear implantation is strongly recommended for him to have a chance to access the frequencies that are not accessible with hearing aids, and this may help him to develop his speech and language skills.
Charlotte M. Chiong, M.D., Ph.D.Director
PRC# 61381
PTR# 1791604B
In this regard, we have created this blog to help Enzo raise funds for cochlear implants. A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device surgically implanted to a person who is profoundly deaf. According to Cochlear.com, the implants do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.
One cochlear implant costs about P1.3 million per ear. Mommy Kat and Enzo can't carry this alone. We are appealing to your kind hearts to help Enzo receive the gift of sound.
Two mountaineering groups have already extended their help to Kat and baby Enzo. Dayo and the Basecamp Outdoor Club of Laguna will conduct mountaineering activities and events that will also help raise funds for Enzo.
We humbly ask for your prayers and support in this endeavor to meet the doctor's timetable. His surgery is scheduled this October 2015. A donation of any amount will do to cover the cost of the cochlear implants.
ACCOUNT INFORMATION:
BDO Savings Acct
Acct Name: Lorenzo Julian Valenzuela
Acct No: 0062-4007-3627
Branch: Marikina - Gil Fernando Ave
For Cash Deposit Only
BPI Current Acct
Acct Name: Sherill Merdegia
Acct No: 4175-8360-26
Branch: Sta. Lucia Cainta
For donations abroad, send through Paypal: kat_merdegia@yahoo.com or at Give Forward.
Please follow this blog for more updates about Enzo and to learn more about hearing loss in children and other related information.
For more information, contact Kat at (+63) 917-8067905 or email enzogiftofsound@gmail.com.
Medical Profile:
Diagnosis: Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss
Imaging Studies:
CT Scan: Bilateral cochlear hypoplasia (Capitol Medical Center, 7-9-14)
MRI: Bilateral cochlear hypoplasia
(Capitol Medical Center, 7-9-14)
ABR & ASSR Studies
ABR: Abnormal BAER study both ears showing bilateral moderate to severe hearing loss. (Clinical neurophysiology lab, Capitol Medical Center, 6-24-14)
ASSR: ASSR results indicate Profound Hearing Loss, both ears.
(Jul. 12, 2014)
Earscoping with his EENT, Dr. Charlotte Chiong
Several monthly aided tests have been conducted at the American Hearing Company of the Philippine Children's Medical Center and the Madriaga Hearing Care Center. However, results still failed and hearing is profound. Currently, Enzo is using hearing aids.
Enzo under MRI Scan last Feb 20, 2015
Below is the summary of of Dr. Chiong's findings:
Summary:
Lorenzo Julian Valenzuela 1 year old boy was diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss. The hearing loss was confirmed by ABR, ASSR Studies and Aided Threshold Test. Lorenzo used hearing aids but still he was not able to manifest language and speech development appropriate for his age. As studies showed and as proven by the experiences of other patients, this degree of hearing loss will lead to the non-development of spoken language on the part of the patient unless intervention is done.
In this case, Cochlear implantation is strongly recommended for him to have a chance to access the frequencies that are not accessible with hearing aids, and this may help him to develop his speech and language skills.
Charlotte M. Chiong, M.D., Ph.D.Director
PRC# 61381
PTR# 1791604B
In this regard, we have created this blog to help Enzo raise funds for cochlear implants. A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device surgically implanted to a person who is profoundly deaf. According to Cochlear.com, the implants do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.
One cochlear implant costs about P1.3 million per ear. Mommy Kat and Enzo can't carry this alone. We are appealing to your kind hearts to help Enzo receive the gift of sound.
Enzo wearing his hearing aids.
Two mountaineering groups have already extended their help to Kat and baby Enzo. Dayo and the Basecamp Outdoor Club of Laguna will conduct mountaineering activities and events that will also help raise funds for Enzo.
We humbly ask for your prayers and support in this endeavor to meet the doctor's timetable. His surgery is scheduled this October 2015. A donation of any amount will do to cover the cost of the cochlear implants.
ACCOUNT INFORMATION:
BDO Savings Acct
Acct Name: Lorenzo Julian Valenzuela
Acct No: 0062-4007-3627
Branch: Marikina - Gil Fernando Ave
For Cash Deposit Only
BPI Current Acct
Acct Name: Sherill Merdegia
Acct No: 4175-8360-26
Branch: Sta. Lucia Cainta
For donations abroad, send through Paypal: kat_merdegia@yahoo.com or at Give Forward.
Please follow this blog for more updates about Enzo and to learn more about hearing loss in children and other related information.
For more information, contact Kat at (+63) 917-8067905 or email enzogiftofsound@gmail.com.
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