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You are not alone

The discovery that your child has a hearing loss presents many challenges, but keep in mind that you are not alone. Many parents before you have shared your very circumstances and there are numerous resources to help you and your child overcome these challenges.

The first thing to remember is that your child is living in an age where technology and support offer a wide range of options. You will probably have all sorts of questions and the decisions may seem difficult and confusing at first. Although the way ahead may not seem clear, after a time you will begin to feel more confident and ready to learn more about the implications for your child and family. It is important to spend time learning about what is available and making decisions based on good information. There are a range of professionals available to help you make the best choices for your child.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions will be your first step towards understanding more about the specific needs of your child. Whenever someone uses a word that you don't understand ask the person to explain the word.

In this way you will begin to learn about the diverse options available to your child. You may also find that professionals do not always agree or that research doesn't always give you an easy answer. Above all it is important to feel comfortable and confident with your decisions.

Your child comes first. The hearing loss comes second. If you can relax and take positive steps, one at a time, your child will benefit and you can look forward to the future with hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

When your child is first diagnosed with a hearing loss you will have many questions.

Asking questions is good and will help you understand the challenges facing your child.

Sometimes questions will not occur to you while you are with your doctor or the other professionals you meet. Below are a few questions that you might have asked. Remember that many answers will depend on the needs and abilities of your child.

1. Will my child ever hear me?
   This depends on the degree of hearing loss. Nowadays, there are very few hearing losses that cannot be helped with modern technology. Children with hearing loss, given the right support and technology, are often able to hear speech as well as many of the other sounds of our bustling world.
2. Will my child ever talk to me?
   Speech ability depends on the level of your child's hearing. Many children with hearing loss develop good speech and language when given the appropriate support. The important thing is early identification of the hearing loss and appropriate intervention measures. Your child should be exposed to speech as soon as possible.
3. Why does my child have a hearing loss?
   There are many different causes and types of hearing loss and this is a question best answered by a physician. Why not make a note to discuss this with your physician at your next appointment? It is unfortunately not always possible to find the precise cause of some types of hearing loss.
4. What is an audiogram?
   An audiogram is filled out during a hearing test and records the level of hearing at different frequencies (e.g. low and high pitch sounds). This enables the physician / audiologist to understand the level and type of a hearing loss and advise on the appropriate treatment options. Regular testing also allows the hearing levels to be monitored over time.
5. How is the degree of hearing loss classified?
   The degrees of hearing loss are classified from mild through moderate to profound. For each degree there is an appropriate treatment and technology options. A hearing test will show the degree of hearing loss.
6. What is an earmold?
   The earmold is connected to the hearing instrument and directs the sound into the ear canal. The shape of each ear is comparable to a fingerprint ¨C different for everyone. Therefore a soft paste is used to make an impression of the ear and from this an individual earmold is produced. Earmolds are custom-made to ensure a precise, comfortable fit and an effective channeling of the sound into the ear.
7. What technology is available to help my child and how will I decide which is the most suitable?
   There is a whole range of technology options available. Once a hearing loss is diagnosed hearing instruments are usually fitted first. The choices you make regarding hearing instrument technology will depend on a number of factors. The level of your child's hearing, the needs of your child and of the family all play a role. Fortunately, you do not have to make these choices on your own. A hearingcare professional can advise you and there are a whole range of other professionals who can offer support.
8. Are hearing instruments effective?
   Yes, hearing instruments have progressed a great deal in recent years and offer a whole range of technologies designed to meet specific needs. Young children will normally be fitted with an instrument that fits behind the ear (BTE). The choice of the appropriate hearing instrument will depend on a number of factors including the level of hearing. The goal for children with a hearing loss is to optimize hearing to help with language learning.
9. What is a cochlear implant?
   Cochlear implants may help some children with profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing instruments or FM systems. A wire containing electrodes is surgically placed into the cochlea (the organ of hearing). Sound is picked-up by a receiver which is implanted behind the ear in the mastoid bone. An externally worn receiver sends signals to the electrodes and this creates a sensation of sound.