As the parent of a child newly diagnosed with hearing loss, you likely have many questions and concerns about the nature of this issue, its potential impact on your child’s future, treatment options, and available resources. This overview aims to provide essential initial information and guidance on the resources available, as well as the roles of various care providers.

Receiving difficult news about your child’s health is always challenging. It’s common to experience feelings of anger, grief, and even guilt upon learning that your child has a hearing deficit. Managing these emotions can be helped by talking with a family member, close friend, clergy, or mental health professional. Sometimes, these feelings can lead to denial. While seeking a second opinion is perfectly acceptable, it’s crucial not to delay any further recommended diagnostic evaluations for your child. The most effective approach to treating hearing loss of any degree is to ensure early intervention. Significant delays can lead to irreversible impacts on your child’s hearing, speech, language, and overall educational development.

Throughout the long-term management of your child’s hearing loss, you will encounter various healthcare and rehabilitation specialists. Some will be involved early in the process and continue at intervals, while others may join later on. Below are the professionals you may meet and the roles they will play in managing your child’s hearing loss.

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Primary Care Physician: Pediatrician or Family Practitioner

Your child’s primary care physician may be a pediatrician or a family practice doctor. If there are concerns about hearing loss, this physician is responsible for making appropriate referrals to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and an audiologist to assess and diagnose the issue. The primary care doctor may also treat any ear infections that arise or refer your child to an otolaryngologist for specialized care. Additionally, they may refer your child to a medical geneticist to explore whether the hearing loss may be hereditary, which can inform you about the possibility of similar issues occurring in other children.

The Audiologist

The audiologist is often the first professional you will meet when evaluating your child’s hearing and may deliver the initial news regarding any hearing loss. They will conduct behavioral or objective testing (such as auditory brainstem response testing) to determine the degree and type of hearing loss. Following a medical consultation, the audiologist will recommend appropriate amplification and fit the best device for your child’s needs. They may also refer you to an early intervention program and provide periodic follow-ups to monitor your child’s progress and hearing status.

Otologist, Otolaryngologist, or Pediatric Otolaryngologist (ENT Physician)

Once hearing loss is diagnosed, your child will be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), or one who focuses on childhood ear and hearing issues. This physician will investigate the specific nature of the problem contributing to the hearing loss and determine if it is medically or surgically treatable. Treatments may range from simple procedures, like placing ventilation tubes in the eardrums, to more complex surgeries. The ENT specialist may also order additional diagnostic procedures, such as imaging studies (X-ray, CT scan, MRI), to better understand the hearing loss. After assessing the need for hearing aids, the ENT will provide medical clearance for their fitting. If a cochlear implant is necessary, the otolaryngologist will collaborate with the audiologist for further evaluations and perform the surgery.

Early Intervention Specialist

Typically, this professional has an educational background and can help you find community resources, define family roles in managing hearing loss, and establish future educational plans. They will also address your observations and concerns about your child while providing information and support regarding educational needs.

Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP)

The SLP will evaluate how your child’s hearing loss impacts their speech and language development and monitor their progress. They may refer your child back to the audiologist or otolaryngologist for further assessments if necessary. The SLP will assist your child in learning proper speech production, including articulation of sounds. If you opt for oral communication, your child may also work with an auditory-verbal therapist, who helps them acquire speech sounds and guides the family through additional medical or audiological options. The therapist will familiarize the family with relevant speech/language and cognitive developmental milestones.

Many others can provide valuable support to your family. Parents of older children with hearing loss and adults who are hard of hearing can share their experiences and offer suggestions for educational and recreational resources in your community. Below are links to more information regarding hearing loss and resources for parents and families:

  • AG Bell: Information and resources for families and professionals dealing with hearing loss: www.agbell.org
  • Boys Town Hospital: Information for newly diagnosed infants with hearing loss: www.babyhearing.org
  • Hands & Voices: A national organization providing community support for children with hearing loss and their families: www.handsandvoices.org
  • The Listening Room: Online activities and listening games for all ages regarding hearing loss: thelisteningroom.com
  • Cochlear: Additional resources for patients with hearing loss: www.cochlear.com
  • Medel: Further resources for hearing loss: www.medel.com