Witnessing a baby experience something for the first time is nothing short of adorable. It can make you smile, laugh, or cry. In this case, it will probably make you cry.
Baby Ellianna was born with a genetic disorder inherited from her mother, Alison. Alison was diagnosed with Waardenburg syndrome when her fourth child, a boy, was a little over a year old. It’s a rare condition that can cause hearing loss and affect coloring in the eyes, hair, and skin, as well as other physical traits.
Those with Waardenburg syndrome may have a patch of white hair near the forehead or premature graying. Many times, doctors are able to tell early if a child has the condition. Light eyes are also characteristic, with blue being common, or having eyes of two different colors.
In Alison’s case, her hearing is normal, but three of her children have hearing loss. Some carriers of the trait do not have any symptoms at all but still have a 50% chance of transmitting the gene to their offspring.
In this video shared by Caters TV, 3-month-old Ellianna is being prepared to have her hearing aids switched on at St. Luke’s in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She has not been able to hear since her birth in May 2017.
Resting in her mother’s lap, the baby girl begins to fuss as the adults fidget with her ears. So uncomfortable! Clicking on her hearing aids startles her at first, and Ellianna lets out a few cries. She hears a couple of words and then she’s silent.
Alison speaks gently to her, saying “Elli” and “Hi Beautiful” to get her attention. Ellianna can’t stop gazing at her mom, trying to figure out what’s going on in her world. And then it happens. A sweet, gummy baby smile takes over her face! The sound of her mama’s voice makes things right!
In addition to cochlear implants, some individuals with Waardenburg syndrome also receive assistance through speech therapy. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for Waardenburg syndrome, but its symptoms can be managed to address hearing and vision issues or hair pigmentation.
Though this condition is extremely rare, according to NIH, approximately 1 in 40,000 people are affected by it. Types 1 and 2 are the most commonly diagnosed forms; however, there are four types, with 3 and 4 being considered extremely rare.
Babies like Ellianna who are diagnosed early with hearing loss or other problems can receive the assistance they need sooner than later. Because Waardenburg syndrome doesn’t always present itself with the same set of symptoms, some people may not be diagnosed until later in their childhoods or adolescence.
Alison found out she had it in 2006, and since then understands the risks and treatment involved for her children. Finish watching this entire clip to see the interaction between her and this precious baby girl. Like other videos of people experiencing sight or sound for the very first time, it will warm your heart.
What do you think of this sweet moment between baby and mom? Did you want to cry too? Are you familiar with Waardenburg syndrome?
