Am I ready?

How do you feel about your child's hearing?

 

If "Other," please describe:

 

How do you think that others (e.g. family members, care givers etc) feel about your child’s hearing? 

 

If "Other," please describe:

 

Do you feel able to explain your child’s hearing to others in an easy to understand way?

 

How do you think your audiologist can help you with this?

 

How does your child communicate their needs to you?  For example, do they smile, babble, cry, raise their eyebrows, or kick their legs when trying to tell you that they are hungry, tired, or want to play?

 

Does another member of your family or your child's caregivers communicate well with your child?

 

If yes, how do they do this?

 

Everyday routines like taking a walk to the park or reading books together can help build good communication strategies in the home. What types of things do you like to do together as a family?

 

How do you feel about using hearing technology?

 

If you are using technology, a) What is working well for you? and b) What aspects are challenging for you?

 

There can be many different experts involved in helping your child reach his/her full potential. For example, an audiologist helps with hearing and listening, and a speech therapist helps with speaking and communicating.
a) Who is currently part of your child's support team?
b) What additional support do you need?

 

For the first three years of life, it is important to keep track of how your child develops social, emotional, and thinking skills. Is someone regularly keeping track of these milestones?

 

Do you have opportunities to meet other families with children who have hearing loss?

 

If yes, how is it working for your child and family?
If no, would you like information on how to connect with other families with children who have hearing loss?

 

Have you had opportunities to talk to adults who have had hearing loss since childhood about their challenges and successes?

 

If yes, has it been helpful to you?
If no, would you like information on how to connect with someone?

 

Do you have people (e.g. audiologist, counselor, physician, trusted friend) to talk to about how your child's hearing status affects your child and family?

 

Discuss your answers and notes with your audiologist or someone close to you.