Deaf Montreal boy gains hearing after experimental surgery

AugusteMajkowski, 3, was born deaf, butafterauditory brain stem implant surgery in California, the Montreal boy is now reacting to some sounds.

Sometimes we call his name and he looks up. This is something we've never seen him do before.This is amazing, saidAuguste'smother, SophieGareau.

Augustewas born without auditory nerves, meaning sounds can't travel to his brain.

When cochlear implants didn'thelp,Gareau went looking for other options.

Last year in North Carolina, whenGraysonClamp heard his father's voice for the first time, the three-year-old's reaction captured hearts around the world.

Gareausaw the video on YouTube and wondered if her son could receive the same treatment.

I ended up talking to the team in California and they said maybeAugusteis a perfect candidate, saidGareau.

Then came months of meetings, tests and trips toLosAngeles.

Finally in May,Augusteunderwent surgery to receive an auditory implant.

Doctors installedthe electronic device directly onhis brain stem so that sound bypasses the inner ear.

Augusteis the first of 10children who will receive this treatment,funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

"This is a first step in offering a technology to children that have been unable to benefit from prosthetic devices, said Dr. LaurieEisenberg, professor of otolaryngology, University of Southern California.

The procedure is controversial, because it's seen by some in the deaf community as an insult to those who learn sign language.

It also comes with risks.

It's the brain. If they hit the wrong spot, [there] could be paralysis, saidGareau.

ForAuguste, the only visible sign he underwent the surgery is a processor that he wearswith a microphone and a transmitterthatallows him to respond to signals he would never have been able to detect before.

Auguste'sparents saidthey've been so pleased with the results, they want to help make the surgery available in Canada.