How to Raise Deaf Children

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting thousands of children each year. With early detection, children with hearing loss can develop language skills, in line with those of hearing children, by the time they are five years old.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Alert systems
• Assistive listening devices

Raise Deaf Children With the Best Treatment Options

1. Know that most newborns are screened for hearing loss, but childhood illness, infections, injuries and noise can affect hearing later on.
2. Have your child tested by a physician or audiologist, as early as possible, if you suspect hearing loss. Review the language development chart on the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website. See the Resources section below for a link.
3. Research treatment options, which may include sign language, spoken language, hearing aids and cochlear implants. Hearing aids can be used by children as young as four weeks old.
4. Consider cochlear implants for children as young as 12 months old who have profound hearing loss in both ears. Read more about cochlear implants, hearing aids and communication options on the Alexander Graham Bell website.

Raise Deaf Children With the Best Education Options

5. Know about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under the IDEA, eligible students qualify for services that cover hearing aids and assisted-listening technology among other benefits.
6. Choose the school environment best suited for your child, and be an advocate for his or her education. Speak to administrators and teachers to develop the best learning atmosphere.
7. Equip your home with assisted-listening devices, alert systems and technology to make it accessible.
8. Have teens check out the "Teens With Hearing Loss" tab on the Alexander Graham Bell website for scholarship and education information, job hunting tips, art, poetry and essay contests, advocacy information, games and TV listings.

Tips & Warnings

• Join organizations such as the American Society for Deaf Children for support and advice about how to raise deaf children and advocacy information. See the Resources section for a link.
• Don't wait to have your child tested for hearing loss. Waiting may delay the development of key language skills.