An Ardmore family won their appeal on a decision made by medicaid that denied their deaf child a second cochlear implant. At a hearing Tuesday in Oklahoma City, the Johnson's met with a state attorney, who told them that the state had decided to reverse it's decision. KTEN's Andrea Kurys has the story.     

The Johnson's say this was a landmark case that will pave the way for other deaf children who need bilateral implants. Their son Jacob was born deaf. Medicaid paid for a cochlear implant to be installed in his right ear, but denied them the second implant.      

Medicaid officials said since cochlear implants were new technology, they lacked the research and documentation that proved a second implant creates much of an improvement in hearing.     

But it appears they've changed their mind- Medicaid will now consider bilateral implants for children on a case-by-case basis, instead of denying all cases as they have in the past.

"It's wonderful for all of the other babies that come along after Jacob," said his mother, Jennifer Johnson. "Their parents are going to have it a lot easier you know, to get both of their implants instead of having to go through this."   

The Johnson's are thrilled that their son will now have the chance to grow up with normal hearing capabilities. With all of the progress he made with just one implant, Mr. Johnson  says things can only get better. "Getting both ears done, he'll be able to localize sound better, cause right now when we call him, he knows we're calling him but he'll look around for us," John Johnson said.     

The family says everything is moving along quickly. Jacob's surgery is already scheduled for the end of this month.

Andrea Kurys, KTEN News.