Since about 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, it usually comes as a surprise to hearing parents when their child is found to be deaf or hard-of-hearing. Often, their child is the first deaf person they have ever known. Deaf parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children, on the other hand, are prepared for this.
Before Missouri implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, the average age for identification of hearing loss was about age two. Due to Missouri's Newborn Hearing Screening program (which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2002), your child's hearing loss should be discovered at a very early age. The earlier a deaf or hard-of-hearing child receives appropriate amplification and follow-up services, the better their chance for developing normal speech and language. Early diagnosis is also beneficial if you're going to be using sign language with your child.
Many hearing parents go through a grieving process upon finding out their child is deaf. Wondering how your child will ever communicate with you, wondering if they will ever hear anything you say, wondering if they will ever say your name, wondering how you and your child will ever cope with this unexpected turn of life, and innumerable other questions, are all common.
Hearing parents of hard-of-hearing children also face emotional hurdles they must overcome as they learn to deal with their child's hearing loss.
Deaf parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children typically are well prepared emotionally for whether their child is deaf or hearing.
One thing is likely - your life will be changed forever as a result of this new experience. You'll face many issues that parents and deaf or hard-of-hearing children have been facing for a long time. This guide is intended to help you and your child get started on this journey.
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