When a baby is identified with a hearing loss through newborn hearing screening, a coordinated pathway is in place for families to follow, ensuring the baby and family have access to the necessary services and support. For your baby to benefit from early diagnosis through newborn hearing screening, it is recommended that you start on this pathway as soon as you are ready.
Keep giving your baby the loving and caring attention that comes naturally to you as you begin this unexpected journey.
When your baby is diagnosed with a hearing loss, there are numerous follow-up appointments where you will start to build a picture of what your baby’s hearing loss means and who will help you to give your baby the best start in life, despite their hearing loss.
After the initial diagnosis, your baby will be referred to an ENT specialist, paediatrician or hospital Hearing Clinic for further testing and management. These specialists will examine your baby’s physical well-being and recommend medical assessments that might identify the cause of your baby’s hearing loss.
You will start building your understanding of your child’s hearing loss through these follow-up appointments. Many of the terms you hear, such as communication options and early intervention, will start to make sense.
Understanding the type and degree of your child’s hearing loss will help you make informed choices about communication options, technology, and support services. Hearing loss can vary widely – it may be mild, moderate, severe or profound; affect one or both ears; and be temporary or permanent.
Your audiologist can explain what the hearing test results mean and how they relate to your child’s everyday experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request further clarification – this knowledge will empower you to support your child’s development with greater confidence.
Early intervention services can help you understand hearing loss and gain confidence as a parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. They will guide you in identifying your child’s strengths and needs and support you in helping your child develop language necessary to become part of the larger community.
Early intervention services are offered by both government and non-government organisations. Some early intervention services may not be able to support all methods of communication. It is a good idea to visit more than one early intervention service before deciding which one might suit your child and family. Find out from other families why they have chosen a particular service. Be open to advice, but also trust your own instinct and judgment. A number of early intervention services are now offering outreach services to rural and remote families.
A hearing loss makes it more challenging to understand spoken language. Hearing aids and cochlear implants can significantly improve your child’s hearing ability, but certain listening environments will continue to be challenging.
Explore different communication methods, including spoken language, sign language (Auslan), and other visual communication techniques. Every family is different, and there’s no single “right” way to communicate. Some families choose spoken language, others use sign language, and many use a combination of both. Work with your early intervention provider to find the best approach for your child. You can always revisit this decision as your child’s needs become more apparent.
Depending on your child’s hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-anchored devices, or other assistive technology may be recommended. If your baby has some residual hearing, hearing aids will be beneficial. For babies with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants might be recommended. Your audiologist will guide you through the available options. Connecting with other families who have experience with different devices can be helpful. Our parent support group is a great place to start.
Connect with other parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children to share experiences and learn from each other.
Connecting with other families who have experienced a similar journey can provide comfort and practical advice. Our Aussie Deaf Kids community is here to listen, share experiences, and support you along the way.
The diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, so it’s important to prioritise your own well-being and seek support from family and friends.
The demands of frequent appointments and learning new things can be draining. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to rest and recharge. Eat well and get as much rest as possible. Exercise is a fantastic way of relieving stress and promoting a sense of well-being – and it is fun for the whole family. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is essential for your well-being and ability to care for your child.
In the early days, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Accept help from family and friends, whether it’s a good meal, babysitting or help with school pick-ups. Allowing others to lend a hand can make life easier and more enjoyable. We have created a downloadable flyer titled ‘Helping a Friend’ that contains useful tips and suggestions for them. Help with everyday tasks can make a significant difference and allow your loved ones to show they care.
Learn about your child’s rights and advocate for the support they need, including access to appropriate education and healthcare.
Advocacy is about speaking on behalf of your child to secure services and support. Parents understand their child’s needs better than anyone and are in the best position to advocate on their child’s behalf for necessary services and support. Being an advocate for your child is not always easy; it requires being well-informed, and planning and preparation are essential.
As your child grows, it is important to help them understand their hearing loss and teach them how to advocate for themselves. This might include showing them how to ask for accommodations at school, explaining their hearing needs to others, or confidently using assistive technology.
With just a few simple changes, you can help make your home more deaf-friendly and supportive for your baby’s learning and communication. Try to reduce background noise where possible and make sure there’s plenty of soft furnishings to help absorb sound. Good lighting and clear lines of sight will also make it easier for your baby to see your face – for lip-reading, watching signs, or simply sharing smiles.
Look for everyday opportunities to help your baby notice and respond to sounds around them. If you’re introducing sign language, start using a few basic signs during your daily routines – like mealtimes, nappy changes, or playtime. Every little moment helps build connection and communication.
Asking for or accepting help can often make us feel uncomfortable, so we have designed a printable flyer to help. You can give the flyer to family or friends in those early days after diagnosis when you may be feeling overwhelmed. The flyer includes information on hearing loss and how best to support someone who’s child has been diagnosed with hearing loss.
We asked parents what message they would like to send to parents whose baby had recently been diagnosed with hearing loss. These quotes are shown throughout this whole section but we have also presented them in a beautiful reel format:
