Be a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Parent

Raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing brings its challenges, especially if you are able to hear. While you may feel overwhelmed at times, there are a lot of support resources out there for parents and their children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Empower yourself to be a deaf or hard of hearing parent by communicating with your child, supporting your child’s education, and getting the help you need.

Steps

Communicating with Your Child

1. Help your child learn to communicate. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing have multiple ways of communicating, and your child will want to do what works best for them. Ideally, your child should have more than one way of communicating so that they can fully access the meaning of texts.
   • Children who are able to use a hearing aid may learn to speak. Since they won’t hear sounds perfectly, help them learn to sound out words.
   • Your child may learn to read lips, even if they also use a hearing aid.
   • Your child may decide to use sign language. If they do, it’s important that they are able to use it frequently.
   • You can also cue your child by showing them visual examples. For example, you could mimic pouring juice into a cup to ask them if they want juice.
   • Allow your child to make choices about how they want to communicate. Don’t force your child to do something because it works better for you.
2. Use Sign Language. If your child signs, learning to sign so that you can communicate with them will increase their learning potential. Sign language is structured differently than English, so children need immersion to be fully bilingual. It can be tempting to rely on lipreading, but your child’s signing skills will be stronger if you sign with them.
3. Use visual cues. Support your child’s language development by using visual aids, which can include physical items or pictures. Show your child reference items, and work with your child's teacher to boost their understanding of the cues.
   • For example, you could imitate eating to tell your child that it’s time for dinner.
   • You could also show your child cards with pictures on them. Your child could pick a breakfast item by looking at pictures.
   • Cued Speech is a system of teaching deaf or hard of hearing individuals to understand sounds through visuals.
4. Help your child with their amplification device. If your child uses a hearing aid or other amplification device, learn about the device to help them use it. Talk to your child’s audiologist about what Compare Hearing Aids and how to maintain the device. Read the enclosed paperwork and look the product up online.
   • Know how to Replace Hearing Aid Batteries.
   • Help them remove ear wax from the hearing aid.
   • Some children may not be able to use an amplification device.
5. Use closed captioning. Your child may be able to better follow the dialogue in movies and TV shows if they're able to see the words printed on the screen, even if they are using a device to help them access their residual hearing. Keep your television set on closed captioning, and make sure that any films you order have that feature.
6. Develop your child’s awareness of Deaf culture. There's a strong Deaf community out there, comprised of people who are both deaf and hard of hearing. Many people who prefer to be identified as part of this culture prefer to have the word "Deaf" capitalized when it refers to them and their community (and lowercase only when it refers to the audiological condition of deafness). Look for opportunities for your child to interact with other individuals who identify as Deaf. If possible, connect your child with a mentor who is Deaf.
   • Reach out to local nonprofit organizations, or check local internet postings for meetup groups.
   • Participate alongside your child in becoming a part of Deaf culture.
7. Make sure that technological devices are Hearing Aid Compatible. If your child uses a hearing aid, then it’s important that the aid works alongside other technology such as cell phones, tablets, or head phones. You can check the product’s hearing aid compatibility online before you purchase it.
8. Supply your child with an assistive listening device. If your child has residual hearing, then an assistive listening device can help them hear what their teacher is saying. This device is more targeted than a hearing aid because it provides the teacher with a microphone that corresponds with a hearing device that the child wears. This helps the child hear only the voice they should be focused on.

Supporting Your Child’s Education

1. Advocate for your child. Be a voice for your child’s needs by asking for necessary accommodations, attending meetings to plan your child’s education, and keeping up-to-date, accurate records. Ask questions and take an active role in coming up with solutions that support your child.
   • As your child ages, include them in the decision making process and help them advocate for themselves.
2. Know your child’s rights. Your child deserves a good education, so consult with nonprofits and agencies that help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn about your child’s rights. When you believe that someone is denying your child their rights, you should speak up about it.
   • Look online for resources.
   • For example, in the United States there are two laws that protect students who have a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act both ensure that people who are differently abled receive the accommodations they need to fully participate in society.
3. Choose the best educational setting. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing have many choices on how to get an education. What you choose for your child will depend on their needs and preferences. Students can attend a mainstream public or private school, a school for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or homeschool.
   • Students are more likely to receive specialized services if they attend a school.
   • Schools are also available online for a structured homeschooling option. Your child can get visually supported lessons made for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
4. Work with your child’s educators. Partner with your child’s teacher and support staff so that you are all working on the same educational goals. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing benefit from having the lessons and vocabulary they are learning in school reinforced at home, so stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the classroom.

Getting the Help You Need

1. Go to parent training. Look for a nonprofit or agency that offers training for parents of deaf or hard of hearing children. You can look online for resources and options near you. You may also find a program online.
   • If you can’t find an educational program, consider watching videos online.
2. Connect with other parents. Other parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing can be an invaluable resource for support, so look for opportunities to meet other parents, such as through a support group or online message boards.
   • Be open to advice from parents who’ve been in your place.
   • Ask about their children’s successes.
3. Reach out to nonprofit or governmental organizations. Many areas have a local nonprofit or commission that serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you are having trouble locating one near you, you can connect to one online to find resources and support. They can help you understand how to help your child and answer any questions that you may have.
   • You should be able to find a support group through your local nonprofit or agency.
   • You may also be able to get financial help for amplification devices or other technologies.
4. Ask questions. Get as much information as you can from the audiologists, doctors, specialists, individuals who are deaf, and other parents as you can. Information will help you be empowered to help your child, which will help you feel more confident. You will also see that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing live full lives.
5. Practice self care. It’s easy to get overwhelmed while caring for a child, especially if they have special needs. You need to spend some time taking care of yourself. While it may feel selfish, it’s essential that you’re cared for if you’re going to be a good childcare provider.
   • Manage your stress levels through activities like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and exercise.
   • Build a support network of other parents, care professionals, family, and friends.
   • Eat nutritious foods.
   • Ask for help so that you can have a break.

Tips

• Over 90% of children who are deaf or hard of hearing are born to hearing parents, so you are not alone.
• Connect your child with other individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Talk to other parents.
• Join a group if one is available.
• Allow your child to make choices about what works best for them.

Warnings

• Don’t limit your expectations for your child just because they are deaf or hard of hearing.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Get a Job As a Deaf or Hard Of Hearing Person
• Pick a School for Your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child
• Start College if You're Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Choose a Phone if You're Hard of Hearing
• Pick Hearing Assistive Technology
• Teach a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student
• Communicate With Deaf People
• Hear TV Sound Without Blasting Everyone Else Out
• Communicate With a Deaf Person
• Ask a Deaf Person for a Date

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