18 month old twins Jordan and Amy Jo have all sorts of similarities, but unlike his sister Jordan has his Mothers beautiful blond hair, sparkling hazel eyes and infectious laugh.

The nations leading hearing specialists expect that latter trait to change today when Jordan hears that laughter for the first time.

This is going to be a special moment, Tina says with tears in her eyes looking at Bette holding Amy Jo.

Jordan underwent surgery to receive cochlear implants last month and has returned to have the implants turned on today.  The surgery and future therapy will help Jordan learn to process sound. 

Dr. Bell, of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, one of the nations leading experts in cochlear implants, performed the outpatient surgeries at Childrens Medical Center.

This will allow Jordan to have relatively normal hearing for the rest of his life, Bell said. The technology is amazing, and by implanting the device so early, we expect him to adjust well and function normally as they grow older.

Dr. Bell, said cochlear implant enables children and adults to detect speech and identify everyday sounds, such as fire engines and doorbells. Jordan also will eventually be able to talk, and hear and understand speech.

Because a childs cognitive development is established within his or her first few years, the earlier a child is evaluated and implanted, the better the chance of normal cognitive and language development, Bell said.

Intensive speech, language and hearing therapy will continue at the Childrens Medical Center as Jordan learns to hear and speak in coming years. 

But today is all about Jordans hearing his very first sound.  Dr. Bell turns the implants on and everyone waits for him to adjust.  Bette and Tina holding their breath, no one makes a sound.  That is until Amy Jo starts to giggle. 

Jordan looks up at her with a confused look on his little face.  Amy Jo lets lose giggling and laughing as Bette tries to hush her.  Before she can speak Jordan burst out giggling and laughing as well.  The look of surprise on Bette and Tinas face as they stare at Dr. Bell.

Yes, Jordan heard his little sisters laughter.  Dr. Bell says with a huge grin. 

Tears all around the room as doctors, nurses and most definitely Bette and Tina start to cry.  Tina scoops Jordan up in her arms as Bette joins them in a big hug. 

He can hear baby.  Jordan heard Amy Jo laugh, did you see that?  Tinas eyes filled with tears as she hugged Jordan so tight.  Bette was speechless.

Tina felt a little hand touch her cheek.  She looked down at Jordan.  You heard your little sister speak, didnt you my precious wonder?  Tina said as Jordan just starts babbling and giggling at Tina.

Baby, hes laughing at you, Tina.  Look, he heard your voice.  Bette said as she realized what was happening right before her very eyes.  Jordan heard his Mothers voice for the very first time and it just tickled him to death.  The look on Jordans face was worth it all.  After a few more test Dr. Bell sent the happy family home.