Sounds & Signs July 2026
The July 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – July 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
A personal reflection
This year marked my final trip to Bad Ischl, Austria, for the FCEI Conference. Since attending my first conference in 2012, each one has been a truly life-changing experience. I have had the privilege of meeting so many remarkable people—parents, researchers and professionals—who have inspired me, challenged my thinking and become lifelong friends and mentors. […]
Thank you, Andrew Stewart
After more than 40 years supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Andrew Stewart has announced his retirement. Andrew has been a valued friend of Aussie Deaf Kids for more than 20 years. Throughout that time, he has generously shared his expertise and lived experience, helping countless families navigate hearing technology with practical […]
Five Smartphone Features Every Parent Should Know About
One of the most practical presentations at the 2026 FCEI Conference came from Dr Tina Childress, an audiologist who is also a cochlear implant user. She demonstrated that many of the communication tools families need are already built into iPhones and Android phones—and they’re free. Whether you’re at school, in the car, at the dinner […]
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 […]
Sounds & Signs June 2026
The June 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – June 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
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 […]
Sounds & Signs May 2026
The May 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – May 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Research participation – Listening between the lines
Listening between the lines. Help researchers from Flinders University understand how young people with hearing devices experience everyday listening and communication. This research aims to better understand real-world listening and communication experiences to help inform more responsive clinical and support practices for young people using hearing devices. What’s involved? A short online survey(10-15mins) If eligible: […]
Sounds & Signs April 2026
The April 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – April 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Jimmy’s World Hearing Day presentation – raising awareness at school
Thank you Jimmy for sharing your World Hearing Day (WHD) presentation! The WHD theme for 2026 is From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing health for every child. So, this is a fantastic way to raise awareness about hearing health and deafness at school. Watch Jimmy’s presentation here or watch on YouTube. Jimmy – World Hearing Day […]
A letter to myself
My daughter has just turned 18 and finished her HSC, her Drama individual performance was chosen to be performed at “Onstage”, it was her story of growing up deaf. It has had me reflecting so much on the journey of the last 18 years and I wrote a letter to myself. Dear me, I’m writing […]
Get connected using the National Relay Service (NRS)
Get Connected: How the National Relay Service (NRS) Empowers Youth and Parents In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever, especially for young people their families and friends. The National Relay Service (NRS) offers a lifeline, ensuring everyone can communicate effortlessly and confidently. Why Choose NRS? The NRS provides a range of […]
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 […]
From lived experience to global policy, research and practice
When parents’ lived experiences are recognised as knowledge, research becomes more meaningful and impactful. We’re pleased to share a newly published journal article in Deafness & Education International highlighting research initiated by the Global Coalition of Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (GPODHH). This work reflects a strong commitment to recognising the knowledge […]
Sounds & Signs March 2026
The March 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – March 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Celebrating 25 years of Aussie Deaf Kids
25 years ago, a mum with a deaf child, started a small online group to connect and support parents raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Thank you for being part of our story!
World Hearing Day 2026 – raising awareness!
World Hearing Day is coming – 3rd March 2026! Let’s bring schools together – worldwide to raise awareness of childhood hearing loss. Families can lead change. World Hearing Day is a simple opportunity to encourage your child’s school to take part. One small action really does make a big difference. How will your school make […]
Sounds & Signs February 2026
The February 2026 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – February 2026 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
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 […]