Parents

Most parents of children with hearing loss never expected that their child would be hard of hearing or deaf. You may have many questions.

Just when you feel like you understand how to help your child, he or she grows into new challenges or needs and you may have more questions.

Infants and Toddlers with Hearing Loss

• What does it mean to have a baby with hearing loss?
• Why can’t we just wait awhile? We JUST found out!
• What should I be doing to help my baby?
• Are hearing aids really needed? How much will they help?
• What do people mean by Communication Choices? What do we need to decide?
• What’s the big deal about unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in only one ear)?
•  Will having ear infections impact learning?

School-Aged Children with Hearing Loss

• What are the possible effects the hearing loss can cause at school?
• How can my child learn to be responsible for his hearing devices? What should I expect, when?
• What information can I share with the school as my child starts a new school year or in a new school?
• Will having many ear infections impact my child’s learning?
• As my child with hearing loss has gotten older, he doesn’t want to wear his hearing aids. Why? What can I do?
• Can hearing loss be caused by noise? Is this a big deal?

Speaking with other parents of children with hearing loss can provide you with strong support and real-life information as you seek ways to support your child. For more information on resources and Parent Support Groups in your community, reach out to your local CHHA Chapter or Branch.

There are other groups that offers parents and family members opportunities to learn about and understand their child’s hearing loss in a comfortable environment, provide a forum for sharing, and learn about new services and technologies. They may have a formal structure and affiliation with provincial or national organizations. Some examples of this type of group with links you to many other groups in their respective province are: