Health & Parenting

Help for Parents of Children With Hearing Loss

Support for Parents of Children With Hearing Loss continued...

Parental support and effective early intervention have been shown to increase the chances that children with hearing loss will learn to communicate and to participate in school and other activities. This is especially true in children who use cochlear implants. Children with cochlear implants who have involved parents frequently show much better performance than children with less involved parents. The same is true for children who use hearing aids.  

Here are a few things you can do to help your child -- and yourself:

• Educate yourself. Web sites, as well as government and nonprofit organizations, can help you keep up with the latest developments and research.
• Communicate. Seek out support groups and online chat communities for parents of children with hearing loss. These groups can provide information and a sense of community.
• Stay in touch with your child. According to child development experts, some children with hearing loss feel socially isolated as a result of their hearing impairment. However, early intervention and the use of assistive technologies can reduce the chances of social isolation in children.
• Take care of yourself and your other relationships. Getting help for children with hearing loss can be an all-consuming task. But don't neglect your own well-being or your other relationships. Make time for each other, stay in touch with friends, and pursue the activities you enjoy.