Parenting a deaf child

[bchamberlin]

My wife and I just found out that our 3 month old baby boy is deaf. We had our suspicions and knew he didn't pass his hearing test on one side while in the NICU (he was there for a month when first born) but today he had a very accurate and detailed test and both ears failed. Of course the next step is for him to have a CT scan of his ears to find out about all the mechanics that he has or doesn't have but it's very clear that he cannot hear anything at all. We're devastated but we're dealing with it. Just looking for where to start in how you parent and raise a deaf child. I did some reading and know there are options as far as implants but we're not there yet. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

--Brian

[xox.ilu.xox]

I dont really have any advice, besides that im sorry. My husband was born deaf, but luckily with a surgery on his ear canals when he was about 4 made it so he could hear again. I hope everything works out for you!!!

[bchamberlin]

Originally Posted by xox.ilu.xox

I dont really have any advice, besides that im sorry. My husband was born deaf, but luckily with a surgery on his ear canals when he was about 4 made it so he could hear again. I hope everything works out for you!!!

Thanks for the kind words. I suppose you've given me a little hope since surgery was an option for him. We just found out today so it's too early to see what's ahead for us.

[Xero]

I wish I knew what to tell you. I have no experience or knowelege in that area at all. I'm sorry that you have to go through it though, and I absolutely wish the best for you and your boy. There's SO much that they can do for this these days that he has a huge chance of someday living a very normal life I think!

A member here, ElliottCarasDad, has a son who is deaf. He could probably offer some valuable insight. I know he has had some hearing aids and that he just posted something about him getting one of those implants.

Good luck! And I'm sure you'll learn as you go.

[bchamberlin]

I'd love to be able to talk to him... maybe if he sees this post he'll contact me. =)

[ElliottCarasDad]

Originally Posted by bchamberlin

I'd love to be able to talk to him... maybe if he sees this post he'll contact me. =)

I'll get back to you later today with a PM with links to good info.
I know the roller coaster of emotions you are going through, but it gets better. My son is now 4 and just had a cochlear implant this week. Early detection is always better as far as communication goes. As a minimum start learning to sign. "Signing Time" videos are excellent, most all libraries have them. Are you in contact with Early Intervention in your area? They will usually get the ball rolling as far as educational needs go.

[irishcollinsgir]

Hi, I know you must have felt devastated upon learning your son was deaf. My son has been on a rollarcoaster of hearing at 5 decibels an ear to not hearing at all. He was deaf the first 4 years of his life. He is 7 and his ears seem to be fighting against him at times. He is scheduled for an inner ear exploration, a mass removal and left tempanoplasy on the 22nd. I do have a point, it just takes me for ever to get there. Early detection is best. There are many resources out their for the hearing impaired. Here (Wyoming) we used the child development center. They sent someone to our home to teach our son communication skills. At the moment, even being completely deaf in one ear, he is doing quite well. Please know that deafness does not mean your child will not be successful. He is still quite young. I am sure as he grows and develops your options will as well. On a side note, after my son's last tempanoplasy failed ( he has had 6 surgeries) I said no more. I would let him decide when he was older what steps he wanted to take. However, when his mass was discovered the doc said it had to be removed right away. While he is in there he will try to repair the ear drum. I know my son's situation is different, but you never know what the future holds. Good luck to you. I know my post probably doesn't help, but I felt the need to comment.

[Father_0f_7]

He's always around here somewhere and always willing to help. I'm sure He'll be able to give you some great advice.

As for me, I know a little sign language but that's about all I know that's even remotely related to deafness so I probably wont be able to do anything but let you know that my prayers are with your son and the rest of your family right now.

[Jeremy+3]

My oldest son is deaf, he has 8% hearing in one ear and 10% in the other, he is deaf due to my wife having measles whilst pregnant.

He has hearing aids that amplify sound, but he doesn't bother wearing them, he hasn't even had a new pair since he was 16 because he doesn't bother with them.

He signs and lip reads, but more often than not he lip reads unless he is around someone else who is deaf, in which case he only signs.

[bchamberlin]

Hi Jeremy, thanks for sharing. How did you handle things when he learned he was deaf? I assume you learned this while he was very young. What was it like with a deaf baby? I find we still talk to him and whisper when he's sleeping...it's very strange. I get sad thinking about all of the things he's going to miss... music etc. His mother and I cried last night thinking how we'll never hear his voice, never hear him tell us he loves us or us him. It's very sad right now. I know we'll get through this and we'll give him the best life we can. We'll teach him the best we can and give him the tools to be as productive as he wants to be. It's just hard right now having only found this out the other day.