Parents
Fact Sheet: Children & Teens Hearing Loss Facts
Whether your child is a newborn or a teen and whether their hearing loss is moderate or profound, it’s certain that you have received an overwhelming amount of advice. And all too often this advice is conflicting. From communication methods to classroom placement and everything in between, everyone has their own opinion of what works best. Unfortunately, this advice is usually based on what worked for them and not your own family dynamics.
No one person can decide what works best for your child and your family. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information to be found online and in libraries. Learning as much as you can from these sources will arm you with the knowledge to make informed choices.
Below the video on this page, there are some links we think will be useful. This list is by no means all inclusive. It is merely a starting place.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING CHILD
When your child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, one of the most confusing and stressful decisions you will be faced with is deciding which communication method you should use. There are several ways to communicate with children that have a hearing loss and different philosophies about each method.
You will need to educate yourself about each communication method and be aware that you will, more than likely, encounter bias related to each method. As you do your information gathering, be open to all of the options. Talking to other families with children who have hearing loss and with adults who are deaf or hard-of-hearing will give you some great insight.
Regardless of the method you choose, you and the service providers you work with will need to monitor your child’s language development progress to ensure they are meeting milestones and thriving. If not, you may need to change something or try a different method.
REMEMBER
- Each child and family is unique. What works for one child and family may not work for another.
- You are the final decision maker. You know your family and child better than anyone else.
The "Communicating with Your Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child" video was created to give you a glimpse into the journey of some local families who have chosen different communication methods.
Once you have viewed the video, if you would like to speak with one, two or all of these families, please give us a call and we will connect you.
Click image below to watch the video, "Communicating with your Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child."
Toll Free: (800) 372-2907
kcdhh@ky.gov
An excellent place to start on your information gathering about communication choices is the Hands & Voices Communication Considerations A-Z webpage. You will find a wealth of information here.
Communication Considerations A-Z
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Hands & Voices - Dedicated to supporting families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology. They are a parent-driven, nonprofit organization providing families with the resources, networks and information they need to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children.
American Society for Deaf Children - ASDC supports and educates families of deaf and hard of hearing children and advocates high-quality programs and services.
A.G. Bell Association - The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, A.G. Bell helps ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society.
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) Serves as the National Resource Center for the implementation and improvement of comprehensive and effective Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems. As a multidisciplinary center, our goal is to ensure all infants and toddlers with hearing loss are identified as early as possible and provided with timely and appropriate audiological, educational and medical intervention.
NCHAM also has a resource guide for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention listed at their site.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) - Manages the state Newborn Hearing Screening Program, which ensures all newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital.
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center - Clerc Center resources are especially for parents and families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Boystown National Research Hospital – Information and resource site for families with deaf and hard of hearing children.
KENTUCKY RESOURCES
Kentucky Hands & Voices - Kentucky Hands & Voices is a safe place for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children to explore options, get unemotional support (although we can be emotional about it!), learn from one another and share what we have in common. We value diversity and honor the role of parents and family as the single greatest factor in raising a WASK, (our favorite acronym: Well Adjusted Successful Kid).
Kentucky Early Intervention System - Statewide early intervention system that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age three and their families.
Kentucky Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) - Manages the state Newborn Hearing Screening Program, which ensures all newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital.
Office for Children With Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) – Provides care for children with physical disabilities. A child can receive services from OCSHCN if they reside in Kentucky, are younger than age 21, have a medical condition that usually responds to treatment, is covered by the program and meets financial guidelines. Services are approved as required by the patient’s treatment plan.
