Helping your child deal with bullying
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing may be more vulnerable to bullying, particularly when they are seen as different from their peers. Bullying can be verbal, physical or social and can happen in person or online. Finding out your child is being bullied can be upsetting. Here are some ways you can support […]
Button battery safety
Hearing aids use small button batteries, and these batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed or placed inside the body. Serious injuries can occur within hours, so it’s important to make button battery safety part of your family’s routine. The responsibility for safely storing and disposing of button batteries rests with adults. Here are some […]
Other people’s stories – helpful or risky?
Listening to other parents’ and Deaf adults’ stories can be incredibly valuable. Their lived experiences can give you insight into what life might really look like for your child and family. But remember, one person’s experience is not the whole picture. Stories are often shaped by: personal experiences and emotions what worked (or didn’t work) for […]
Finding service providers
Parents in our community are often looking for professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists (OTs), early intervention services, paediatricians, or other specialists in their local area. This can be even harder for families in regional or rural areas, where there may be fewer services and longer waiting lists. Finding the right support for your […]
Social anxiety
Social anxiety is common for young people with hearing loss, often because social situations take more effort and can feel unpredictable. Your child may worry about missing what others say, feeling different, or making a mistake in a fast-moving conversation. Here are some tips for managing social anxiety: Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it’s […]
Deaf-friendly morning routines
Mornings can be busy. Visual cues, simple signs and predictable routines help deaf children feel calm, informed and ready for the day. Here are some tips to make mornings run more smoothly: Create a visual morning checklist: Use photos or symbols for each step, such as getting dressed, breakfast, brushing teeth and packing the school […]
Supporting deaf children with additional needs
Studies indicate that up to 40% of children with a hearing loss also have additional needs. This could include vision loss, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, learning difficulties and anxiety. When this happens, it can add complexity, but with the right support, these children can thrive at home and school. What parents can do: Trust your […]
Choosing and starting childcare
A quality childcare or preschool experience supports children’s learning, social skills, confidence, and wellbeing. It also gives parents valuable time for work, appointments, and self-care. What to look for Look for services where your child will feel safe, happy, respected, and valued. When choosing a service, consider the physical environment, staff, and approach to inclusion, including: […]
Cheerleaders, not taskmasters!
Early intervention making you feel exhausted and guilty? It’s a common and understandable experience, but it’s not how family-centred early intervention should feel. Professionals should NOT make you feel guilty Professionals should NOT be judging your parenting Professionals should work WITH you Professionals should be your cheerleaders! “Parenting is hard, and parents have enough obligations and more […]
Mild hearing loss – next steps
Mild hearing loss means it might be harder for your child to hear soft sounds and understand speech in noisy environments. Voices may sound unclear, and some children may take longer to develop speech and language skills. Here are some helpful steps you can take: Talk with your audiologist: They’ll explain what your child’s hearing […]
Getting your deaf child’s attention
One of the everyday challenges families face is getting the attention of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Simply calling their name may not work, especially in busy or noisy environments. Here are some tips: Tap gently: If you’re close, softly tap your child on the shoulder or arm to get their […]
Helping your child build social and emotional confidence
Social and emotional skills – like recognising feelings, managing behaviour, and understanding others – are essential for all children. For deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, building these skills takes early access to language and lots of opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Some DHH children may feel shy or unsure in […]
Creating a sign language booklet
Make a simple booklet of the Auslan signs your child uses most often. This is a great tool for family and friends who may not be confident signing yet. For example, grandparents can refer to the booklet and communicate more effectively with their grandchild when babysitting, or practice their signing at home. If you’re considering […]
Asking for help from family or friends
It’s okay to ask for help. The first few weeks or months after a hearing loss diagnosis can be challenging and overwhelming. Practical and emotional support from family and friends can make a big difference during this time. Here are some things you might ask for help with, or suggestions you can gently offer to […]
Asking to join in
Making friends and joining in games can be tricky for any child. The good news is, with a bit of practice and support, children can learn simple ways to ask to be included. Here are some tips for helping your child join in: Teach simple phrases or signs: Help your child practice saying or signing […]
Ear wax management and ear health
Taking care of your child’s ears is an important part of maintaining their hearing health. Here are some practical tips to help keep their ears clean and healthy: What to do: Let the ears clean themselves: Ears are self-cleaning. Wax naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own. Wipe the outer ear: Use […]
NAPLAN adjustments & right to sit test
Did you know your child can have adjustments during NAPLAN to make the tests more accessible? These adjustments help students with disability — including those who are deaf or hard of hearing — have an equivalent learner experience and encourage maximum participation. What Parents Need to Know: Your child has the right to sit NAPLAN. […]
Hearing aids are not the same as glasses
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not like glasses because they do not simply “correct” hearing in the way glasses correct vision. Here’s why… They don’t restore normal hearing: Glasses adjust the focus of light entering the eye, restoring clear vision for most people. Hearing aids and cochlear implants, however, amplify or process sound but […]
The importance of regular eye tests
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing may also have problems with their eyesight. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing need the best possible vision to access visual cues that support communication, such as sign language, facial expressions, and lip-reading. Eye tests with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting school—or sooner if […]
Preparing for hearing tests and maximising cooperation
Hearing tests can be a new or difficult experience for your child, but with some preparation, you can help make it a positive one. Audiologists use various tests depending on your child’s age, cognitive development, and the type of hearing loss they are evaluating. While the specifics of each test are explained in the links […]