Some babies are born with hearing loss. Other children are born with normal hearing and begin to have hearing problems as they grow older. No matter the reason for the hearing loss, parents often struggle to understand, accept and sometimes even to act. These feelings are normal and you will get through them.
AG Bell is committed to equipping you with the tools you need to take action. Here, we provide you with information about language development, early intervention, hearing technology and more that can help you ensure your child has the opportunity to develop language on par with children who have no hearing loss.
Hearing is a complex process that involves many parts of the ear working together. Hearing loss may result if any part of the hearing process is not functioning properly. The cause can be genetic, environmental, due to illness or even unexplained.
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When it comes to an infant or child who is deaf or hard of hearing, early intervention is extremely important because the human brain is programmed to learn language during the first six years of life – with the first three years being the most critical.
For children with hearing loss, there are four primary communication options, which may be used in combination.
● Listening and Spoken Language ● Cued Speech ● American Sign Language ● Total Communication Method
It is important that your child receives consistent access to speech and other sounds with amplification beginning no later than 3 months of age. There are a number of hearing assistive devices available, depending on your child’s age and the severity of the hearing loss.
In school, in work and in life, your child can excel. Keep this truth in focus, whatever your child’s age or degree of hearing loss.
Remember, there is no singular “right” way to raise a child with a hearing loss. However, by maintaining a positive attitude, educating yourself about hearing loss, seeking out the best resources and taking an active role in your child’s language development and education, you’re taking all of the most important steps to set your child on the path to success.