Were you blindsided by a hearing loss diagnosis for your child? I was definitely disappointed when our first son was born with hearing loss. It seems silly to say now, as we are 7+ years into hearing loss with two kids, and we have so much more information. However, there was a time not too long ago when I felt overwhelmed with the disappointment of our son’s hearing loss diagnosis. I wondered how could my son have a full life when he couldn’t hear? If you felt the same way when you recieved a hearing loss diagnosis for your child, then I have some encouragement for you today!

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our hearing loss story

We had a high- risk pregnancy, which resulted in a 4lb baby with a NICU stay of 8 days. Our baby boy failed his newborn hearing screening test in the NICU, so they referred us to a longer audiology test. Although we hoped for the best, in our hearts we had an inkling that something was coming. 

Cut to two months later, and we completed a two hour audiology exam with our two-month old baby. The result was immediate, “Your child has severe hearing loss.” That sentence hit us like a ton of bricks. We felt confused and had so many questions. There was no evidence of hearing loss in either of our families, and so this was the last thing that we expected to learn. We were extremely disappointed with our son’s hearing loss diagnosis, and we had no idea how to progress from that day forward. However, we did progress, and now we have two kids with hearing loss. It’s become a completely normal part of our family.

Encouragement for the disappointed

This exact scenario is played on repeat for all of the families out there who are caught unaware at a hearing loss diagnosis. According to the National Institute on Deafness, “more than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents”. Many of us didn’t see this coming for our families. If you felt disappointed by a hearing loss diagnosis, here are 10 things that I would like to encourage you in today:

1. It’s not the end, it’s a wonderful beginning. The journey is tough at times, but it is awe-inspiring to watch your kids grow and learn in new ways.
2. You aren’t alone. We all had the same feelings and frustrations in the beginning.
3. It’s OK to grieve a diagnosis. In fact, I believe it’s essential to move forward.
4. You aren’t a bad parent if you are disappointed by a hearing loss diagnosis. You simply want the best for your child.
5. Your child will get the best. They will get the best, most fulfilled life.
6. Trust the process. It can be a long road, and sometimes there are setbacks, but trust that it will work out.
7. The process is for the long haul. Nothing will be solved overnight, but you will be amazed at the progress both you and your child make a year from now.
8. You will be able to communicate and bond with your child. 
9. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to ask for support.
10. Your child will be OK. And you will be OK, too.

While a hearing loss diagnosis can rock your world, it’s only the beginning of an extraordinary journey in which you get to watch your kid become resilient and find new ways of learning.

How did you feel when you learned that your child had hearing loss?

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For helpful tips about parenting a child with hearing loss, check out Hearing Health Foundation