Raising a deaf or hard of hearing child

If you are raising a child with hearing loss, they may have some or no hearing.

Here are some terms you might come across: 

• 'deaf' (with a small d) is used to describe people who are unable to hear.
• 'Deaf' (with a capital D) describes people who identify as members of the Deaf community and use Auslan (Australian sign language) to communicate.
• ‘Hearing loss’ is used to describe any level of reduced hearing. 
• 'Hard of hearing' is used to describe people who have some hearing loss and who may benefit from hearing aids. Some people prefer the term 'hearing impaired'.

Hearing loss in infants and children can be present from birth. It can also develop later in childhood.

Hearing loss may be caused by:

• genetics
• a problem during pregnancy
• a severe infection or an injury
• certain medications

Sometimes there is no known cause for your child’s hearing loss.

Whatever the reason, your child’s healthcare team will help you learn how to best care for your child.

Newborn hearing screening is available free to all babies born in Australia. It is usually done before you go home from hospital. If the screening test shows that your baby might not be hearing, you will be advised to have more tests done.

Some hearing problems aren't picked up on the newborn screening test. Others may develop later in childhood. If you are worried about your child’s hearing, speech or language development, talk to your doctor or your child health nurse. They can arrange a hearing test from a hearing expert called an audiologist.

After your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is normal to feel a range of emotions. You may feel overwhelmed and have questions.

Learning about hearing loss can help you understand your child. It can also help you make informed decisions about their care. You can start by speaking to your child’s doctor or audiologist.

Other members of your child’s health care team will also support you. Your child's healthcare team may include a range of health professionals, such as: 

• an ear, nose and throat specialist
• a paediatrician
• a speech therapist
• an audiologist
• a social worker
• a specialist teacher

They can talk to you about next steps such as early intervention and government support. This can include applying to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It's important to get the right care as soon as possible to help your child reach their full potential.

Early intervention

Early intervention means starting a range of treatments as soon as you find out your baby is deaf or has hearing loss. The sooner these treatments begin, the better chance your baby has to learn language, communication and social skills. This will help your child do their best: 

• at home
• at school
• in the community
• at work, when they grow up

Your child’s healthcare team can assess what interventions your child may benefit from. This may include a listening device. They will monitor your child’s progress as they grow.

Your child’s healthcare team can also:

• teach you how to use facial expressions and gestures to communicate with your baby
• teach you how to recognise your baby's cues
• help you feel confident in your role as a parent

Auslan (Australian sign language)

Auslan is the language used by the Australian deaf community. It has its own grammar and language rules. Learning Auslan can help your deaf or hard of hearing child communicate with others.

You can help your child learn Auslan by:

• introducing sign language to your baby at a young age
• making use of sign language lessons, books and websites
• using Auslan in your daily life
• encouraging your whole family to learn sign language

Listening devices

There are different listening devices available, depending on your child's level of hearing loss. These include cochlear implants and hearing aids. A hearing aid makes sounds louder. A cochlear implant sends sound signals directly to your child's hearing nerve.

Talk to your child's healthcare team about which device is most suitable for them.

Becoming your child's advocate

Learn to advocate for your child. This means speaking up and negotiating to get your child the support they need. As your child gets older, you can teach them to advocate for themselves.

You can make other people aware of ways they can support your child. This may include teaching family and friends to use visual cues to communicate with your child.

DeafNav can help you learn to advocate for your child. DeafNav is a website that can help you access support and connect with the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Planning for school

There are several schooling options for deaf and hard of hearing children. You might want to visit some schools and meet the staff. Talking to other parents of deaf and hard of hearing children about their school choices can help you with this decision.

Your choices include:

• a mainstream school
• a mainstream school with a specialist unit
• a specialist school for children who are deaf or hard of hearing

The right school for your child is the one where you and your child feel included and supported. You can help your child feel more confident about going to school by: 

• visiting the school with them
• talking about school
• helping them find activities they enjoy
• maintaining a positive attitude

You can help your child’s teachers and classmates support your child by: 

• sharing information about hearing loss with your child's teachers
• sharing tips for including your child in activities such as sport
• giving your child’s class and teachers the opportunity to ask questions about hearing loss

Being part of the deaf community

Show your child that they are part of a community of deaf and hard of hearing people. This can encourage them to participate fully in all aspects of life.

Your child may want to make friends and play with other deaf and hard of hearing children.

If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, speak to your family and friends. They can support you. If you are overwhelmed with appointments, accept help from your loved ones. They may be able to: 

• cook a meal 
• help with chores 
• help with picking up children from school

It can also be very helpful for you to meet other parents of deaf or hard of hearing children. Sharing your experiences and learning about living with hearing loss can help you find hope and confidence in the future.

It is important to look after yourself so you can continue to support your child. Be sure to: 

• exercise
• eat healthily 
• sleep well 

If you are having trouble coping, seek support. You can start by speaking to your doctor. They can give you advice and refer you to a mental health professional if needed. 

You can read more about mental health resources and support for parents.

Deaf Children Australia can provide information to help both you and your family.

The Aussie Deaf Kids website also has information about hearing loss and support for parents.

If you have a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, you can: 

• visit the Parents of Deaf Children (PODC) website for support
• find support groups through Aussie Deaf Kids
• look into the Parent Mentor Program through Deaf Children Australia

If your family member or friend has a child with hearing loss, you can read Aussie Deaf Kids’ flyer about Helping a friend.

Languages other than English 

You can read the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital’s fact sheet on hearing aids in English, Arabic, Greek, Chinese and Turkish.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

You can visit the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation website for Ear and Eye Health information and programs.

You can also read Speech Pathology Australia’s resource on speech pathology and Indigenous children.