Navigating your child's hearing loss
Last reviewed: 24 June 2024
Learning that your child has hearing loss or is deaf may come as a shock. You may be feeling lots of different emotions, and that's OK. Navigating your child's hearing loss will be a unique experience for you and your family.
There are lots of other families in a similar position to you. Some of them have shared their experiences to help you feel reassured and confident.
No matter what you’re feeling, acknowledge your emotions and be kind to yourself.
Remember, with the right support, deaf children can do anything hearing children can.
Focus on what your child can do
You may feel worried about your child ‘missing out’ because they have hearing loss, but with the right support, deaf children can:
- succeed in school
- ride a bike
- play sports
- enjoy music
- make friends, both hearing and deaf
- learn to drive
- get a job.
Having hearing loss is only one part of your child’s identity. Don’t forget to enjoy all the other wonderful things that make your child the special person that they are.
Danny is dad to Zack (2), who is severely to profoundly deaf.
“Remember, your deaf child is still just a child. Zack and I play football in the garden, we play cars, we ride his scooter and we do all the things I thought I would do with my son. Zack just rocks his hearing aids when we do them!”
Take it one step at a time
You may be feeling overwhelmed by some of the decisions you’re being asked to make, or anxious about the decisions still to come. Most of these decisions can wait. Take it one step at a time. And remember, decisions you make now can be changed. What’s right for you and your family now may no longer be right in a few years.
Yasmin is mum to Olivia (1), who is profoundly deaf.
“We do sometimes worry about decisions we’ve made, but no matter how big or small the decision, we always have Olivia’s best interests at heart. For other parents facing big decisions, I’d say go and do your own research, and speak up if something doesn’t suit you. Olivia’s an extraordinary little girl who just happens to be deaf. Our expectations for her are as high as ever.”
Take care of yourself
To take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. If you’re struggling with your emotional wellbeing, there’s no shame in asking for help.
Reach out to family and friends
Having a child with hearing loss affects the whole family, so talk to your relatives and friends about how you’re feeling. The people who care about you want to offer you help and support, so don’t be afraid to ask them. They could help by cooking a meal, chatting over a coffee or taking your other children to school.
Chrysanthi is a single mother to Lamin-Phoenix (1), who is moderately to severely deaf.
“I would tell other single parents to be patient, don’t hold things inside, and reach out to other people that can help and give you advice. It’s not going to be easy, but join groups and ask lots of questions.”
Get professional help
If you're feeling low or have noticed that you’re more tired, anxious or emotional than usual, you might benefit from professional support. Visit your GP and explain how you've been feeling. Find out about professional mental health services (NHS).
Here are some other organisations that can help:
- SignHealth supports deaf adults in both English and British Sign Language (BSL).
- NSPCC offers help and advice for parents and families dealing with mental health difficulties.
- Gingerbread supports single parent families.
- Mental Health Foundation gives information and advice about mental health support.
- Home-Start has experts and trained volunteers who work alongside families to give non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support.
- Mind is a leading mental health charity in England and Wales.
- SAMH is a mental health charity in Scotland.
- Parent Club is a Scottish Government website with lots of helpful information and advice as well as tips from other parents.
Meet other families of children with hearing loss
Knowing that you’re not alone and meeting other people who have experienced similar challenges as your family can be empowering. You can get to know other parents of deaf children through:
Katerina is mum to Ezekiel (1), who is moderately deaf.
“I think it’s important for someone coming from a family that hasn’t got any experience of deafness to make sure that you speak to people who are in a similar position. That’s what’s helped me to understand. Otherwise, you’re just sat at home in your own little world and you don’t have anyone else to ask questions.”
Meet deaf adults
Meeting members of the Deaf community is a valuable way of learning more about deafness. To find deaf organisations in your area, you could search online. Or try asking professionals working with your child, such as their Teacher of the Deaf or audiologist.
Henry is dad to Beatrix (5), who is profoundly deaf.
“The Deaf world may seem a frightening place, but don’t be scared! Keep an open mind and find out as much as you can. Your options will vary depending on where you live. Check out your local Deaf Children’s Society, join Facebook groups and go to events designed for deaf children, such as Deaf theatre and Deaf sports. It’s an opportunity to embrace new things!”
Useful resources
- My deafness didn’t stop me stories on our website have lots of examples of deaf children and young people who have achieved amazing things.
- The careers section of our website shares deaf adults’ experiences in the world of work.