Hearing Loss & Children

Most Deaf children (over 80%) are born to hearing parents.

This means that many parents of newly diagnosed Deaf children often have little or no knowledge of deafness at the time of diagnosis. Many parents experience a range of emotions when they discover that their child has a hearing loss. Parents often report being shocked, confused and distressed at this time, and frequently report that they receive little or no support or information. Parents should be informed that there are support services available, particularly the Visiting Teacher for the Deaf Service and DeafHear's Family Support Service.

Among the questions parents often have are:

• How will my child's future be affected? Will my child learn to speak?
  
  
• Will my child benefit from hearing aids or a cochlear implant?
  
  
• What communication choices are there? What services are available? Where will my child go to school?

It is natural for parents to have concerns, and it is important that parents are offered emotional support at this time. It is also important that parents are provided with comprehensive and unbiased information on their child's needs, so they can make informed choices in the best interest of their child.

Every year DeafHear organises a Residential Weekend (usually in the spring) for parents of newly diagnosed Deaf children. This provides an opportunity for parents to access information, to meet other parents and receive peer support. For many parents this weekend has been invaluable in providing an understanding of deafness and its impact on children and family life, and has been the springboard for mutual support and friendships.

If you are a parent of a Deaf child, please feel free to contact the Family Support Service at your local DeafHear Resource Centre at any time.