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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to explain a genetic condition to your child
Children can start asking why they have a hearing loss from a young age. It is not an easy discussion, and there are no hard and fast rules. Genetics is a complex topic, and the amount of information they need will depend on their age. Young children benefit from small amounts of information. They can […]
Reading an audiogram
It can be a stressful time when having your baby or child’s hearing tested. You may not take in everything the audiologist tells you at the time of the appointment, or understand what this might mean for your child. What can the audiogram tell you? The audiogram is a graph showing the softest sound your […]
Parent tips for cochlear implant surgery
The decision of whether or not to implant your child is an extremely difficult one. If you have chosen to proceed with surgery, then here is some advice from parents that you may find helpful. Choosing doctor… Make sure you are happy with your choice of surgeon – ask questions including how much experience they […]
Questions to ask at an appointment
Parents in our online groups often ask what questions to ask their ENT, audiologist, speech therapist etc. Here are a few of good resources from the United States. They are a good starting point for parents when thinking about their next appointment. Download the Real Life Tips infographic. More information: ENT questions Audiologist questions Early […]
Learn the words
Many of us have attended medical or therapy appointments where the professional uses words we do not understand. We can not be involved in decision-making or manage our child’s hearing loss if we do not comprehend what we are being told. When someone uses words or explanations that you do not understand: Ask the person […]
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing involves analysing your child’s DNA to identify specific genetic mutations associated with hearing conditions. It can help diagnose the cause of hearing loss, predict the risk of future hearing issues, and guide treatment options. However, the decision about whether or not to have genetic testing should not be rushed. Genetic testing can provide […]