Why does my child have hearing loss? Was it something I did during the pregnancy?

It’s important to understand that most causes of deafness or hearing loss are not due to anything you did or did not do during pregnancy. Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, many of which are beyond anyone's control. About 80% of congenital hearing loss is linked to genetics. Sometimes it happens even if there's no family history of deafness because of recessive genes or new mutations. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, or toxoplasmosis, can sometimes affect a baby’s hearing. These infections are not always preventable, even with good prenatal care. Prematurity or low birth weight can sometimes lead to hearing issues. Additionally, complications like oxygen deprivation during delivery or severe jaundice can contribute. Some medical conditions (like poorly controlled diabetes or high blood pressure) can sometimes affect fetal development. In many cases, the exact cause of hearing loss is never identified, even after medical testing. It’s crucial to avoid self-blame. Many of these factors are out of a parent’s control, and pregnancy is a complex process where not everything can be predicted or prevented.

The best next step is to consult with medical professionals, including a pediatric audiologist and possibly a genetic counselor, to better understand your child’s condition and explore options for support, whether through hearing aids, cochlear implants, or sign language. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development and well-being.

Read more: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss

https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children-guide/parents-guide-genetics/index.html

I’m worried that this new situation will disrupt the dynamic of our family, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to adjust or fully understand how to handle it.

It's completely natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain; welcoming a deaf child into your family can bring changes, but it’s important to remember that adaptation is a process, and you don’t have to face it all at once. Your feelings are valid. It's okay to feel fear, confusion, or even grief as you adjust to the unexpected. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions without judgment. Educating yourself about your child’s needs, deaf culture, and communication options (like sign language) can help ease your fears. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel. Connect with other parents of deaf children, join support groups, or reach out to professionals who can provide guidance and reassurance. Shared experiences can be incredibly comforting. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on building a connection with your child now. Small, consistent efforts to communicate and bond will help create a strong foundation for the future. Every step forward—learning a new sign, seeing your child smile, or receiving family support—is worth celebrating. These moments will remind you of your capacity to adapt and thrive. Change is challenging, but it can also lead to profound growth and joy. Take it one day at a time, and remember that love and effort will guide you through this journey. You are capable of creating a beautiful, supportive environment for your family, no matter how unfamiliar it feels now.

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Invisible disabilities often bring not only challenges that go unnoticed by others but also a profound, hidden emotional pain that can weigh heavily on individuals and their families, as these struggles are often misunderstood or overlooked by society. I found strength from other parents. The book Welcoming the Unwelcome was a tremendous source of comfort and guidance during some of my most frightening moments.

Amalija, Slovenia

How can we ensure our deaf child receives the best education possible?

Begin with early intervention programmes to support language development and communication skills. These services often include speech therapy, sign language training, and guidance for parents. Explore educational options such as mainstream schools with additional support, specialist deaf schools, or bilingual education. Collaborate with educators to create a tailored Individual Education Plan and provide necessary communication tools like sign language, cochlear implants or hearing devices. Advocate for accessibility in the school environment and encourage participation in extracurricular activities for social integration. Stay engaged and flexible as your child’s needs evolve to help them thrive academically and socially.

Many things became clear to us gradually. From our perspective, the most important thing parents should know is to offer their children communication options  (such as spoken language, sign language, etc.) as soon as possible, ideally right after birth. This is the foundation for education and participation. The language centre in the brain needs to be developed, and the window for easy language acquisition is only open until the age of six.

Hannes & Irene, Austria

Will my deaf child live a happy and fulfilling life?

Yes, with love, support, and opportunities your deaf child - like any other child -  can live a happy and fulfilling life. Start by establishing strong communication with your child. Learning sign language or adopting other communication methods can create deeper connections and ensure they feel understood. Help your child develop a positive sense of identity by celebrating their uniqueness. Encourage pride in being part of the deaf community and introduce them to inspiring role models within that community who lead successful, fulfilling lives. Support your child’s interests and talents, whether in academics, arts, sports, or other passions. Advocate for accessibility in all areas of their life, from education to extracurricular activities, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed. Work alongside educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders to address your child’s needs and create an inclusive environment. As they grow older, empower them to advocate for themselves, fostering their independence and confidence.

Annika, Austria

I’m concerned that I don’t have the necessary skills or abilities to advocate for my child.

It’s completely understandable to feel unsure about advocating for your child, but you don’t need to be an expert right away. Start by educating yourself about your child’s rights and available resources to feel more confident. Connecting with other parents, support groups, and professionals can offer guidance and reassurance.  Check out our eLearning Course to understand how the ear works, types of hearing loss, available technology, and more.; learn alternative communication methods, support speech development, and foster socialization. The eCourse will also help you discover strategies to nurture resilience in both you and your child and empower yourself to advocate for your child’s rights and inclusion. Remember, you know your child best, and focusing on their strengths will help you advocate effectively. Over time, as your child grows, you can teach them to advocate for themselves, further empowering them and lightening your load.

Ioannis, Cyprus

Will my family and relatives accept my deaf baby?

​Acceptance from family and relatives can vary, but most often, with understanding and education, they will embrace your deaf baby with love and support. Open communication is key—share information about your child’s needs and potential, and encourage them to learn about deaf culture and communication methods. Involving them in your child’s life and celebrating milestones together can strengthen bonds and foster acceptance. With time, patience, and education, your family can become an important source of love and encouragement for your child. By signing up for our free eCourse, you will gain insights into the importance of family support and have the opportunity to explore the SILENT Family Learning Toolkit.

I found that while it was initially challenging for some family members to fully understand, once we took the time to share information about our child’s needs and introduced them to deaf culture, they quickly embraced our child with love and support.

Mina, Slovenia

How can I explain to my parents, who grew up in a time when deafness was often misunderstood as a sign of low cognitive ability, that their grandchild is deaf?

Approach the conversation with patience, empathy, and a focus on education. Start by acknowledging their perspective, as their beliefs likely arise from societal norms of their time rather than ill intent. Reassure them that deafness is not a reflection of intelligence or potential, and share examples of successful deaf individuals to challenge misconceptions. You might find the example of Helen Keller (USA, 1880-1968) interesting. Helen Keller became both blind and deaf after an illness as a toddler, yet she went on to become a world-renowned author, activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and an advocate for people with disabilities. Or Evelyn Glennie (born 1965)  - a celebrated Scottish percussionist, Evelyn Glennie is profoundly deaf and has revolutionized the way audiences experience music. She performs barefoot to feel vibrations and has won multiple awards, including a Grammy, while advocating for music education. There are many more examples from all over the world. Provide resources that explain modern understandings of deafness as a unique characteristic rather than a limitation. You can use our picture book Not so Silent or the informative videos about deafness.

Will cochlear implants enable my child to hear like a hearing person?

Cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing for many children with severe to profound hearing loss, but they do not restore "normal" hearing. While cochlear implants can help your child detect sounds and develop speech, the quality of hearing will be different from that of a person with typical hearing. The success of cochlear implants depends on factors such as age at implantation, the child’s auditory environment, and their engagement in speech and language development. Many children with cochlear implants benefit from additional therapies, including speech and language training, to maximize their hearing and communication skills.

My daughter received bilateral cochlear implants when she was 12 months old, and now, at 5 years old, she has grown into a vibrant and curious child. Her fascination with the world of sound has always been evident. Today, she speaks fluent German with ease. As a family, we’ve also taken the time to learn Austrian Sign Language, which has been an invaluable tool for communication, particularly during moments when her implants aren’t in use—such as during summer swims in the sea. For families just beginning this journey, I want to offer encouragement:  embrace each step, celebrate every achievement, and cherish the growth and resilience this experience will bring.

Elisabeth, Austria

I’m worried about the cochlear implant surgery for my child.

It’s completely natural to feel anxious about the surgery, as it’s a significant step for both you and your child. While the cochlear implant procedure is generally safe, it’s important to discuss all your concerns with the medical team. They can provide detailed information about the process, potential risks, and benefits. Many parents find that once they understand the procedure and hear about the positive outcomes for other children, their anxiety is reduced. Remember, the goal of cochlear implants is to improve your child’s ability to hear and communicate, which can have a profound impact on their development. You’ll also have a support network of professionals to guide you through the process before, during, and after the surgery.

I felt overwhelmed too. But after speaking with the doctors and hearing stories from other parents who had gone through the process, I felt much more at ease. The surgery itself went smoothly, and seeing the positive impact on our child’s hearing and communication made it all worth it.

Marusa, Slovenia

What if cochlear implants don’t provide the expected results for my child?

If cochlear implants do not provide the expected results, it’s important to remember that there are other options and strategies to support your child’s development. Many children who do not benefit fully from cochlear implants may still thrive through the use of alternative communication methods, such as sign language or visual cues. Early intervention, speech therapy, and educational support are critical in helping your child develop language skills and communicate effectively. Additionally, many children benefit from using hearing aids or assistive listening devices, depending on their level of hearing. It’s also valuable to work with professionals to reassess your child’s needs and adjust their support plan accordingly. The key is to remain flexible and focus on finding the best communication tools and methods that work for your child.

From our own experience, when we realized that the cochlear implants weren’t providing the results we had hoped for, we turned to sign language and visual communication. It was amazing to see how quickly our child adapted, and it became clear that there are many pathways to successful communication, beyond just the implants.

Theodor, Austria

As a bilingual family, will my child with cochlear implants be able to learn more than one language, and how should we communicate?

Yes, your child can absolutely learn multiple languages, even with cochlear implants. Children with cochlear implants can successfully acquire more than one language, especially when they are exposed to both languages from an early age. It’s important to maintain consistency in communication, so if each parent speaks a different language, it’s best to stick to your native language when interacting with your child. This helps your child build a strong foundation in each language. It’s also important not to mix the languages during communication with your child, as this can cause confusion. Consistent exposure and practice in both languages will support your child’s ability to become proficient in them. Additionally, it’s essential to continue using visual cues, sign language, or other communication methods to reinforce understanding and help with language development.

In our family, we manage a multilingual environment with great care and consistency. At home, we speak two languages—Slovenian and Macedonian—and our son has also picked up a third language, German, at kindergarten. From the beginning, we decided to stick to a clear approach: I communicate exclusively with my son in Slovenian, while my husband speaks to him only in Macedonian. This consistency was crucial in helping him differentiate and absorb each language effectively. Today, he thrives in this multilingual setting, switching between languages effortlessly. This journey has shown us how important it is to remain committed and trust the process, even when progress feels slow at first.

Katja, Austria

How can I teach my child signing if I don't sign myself?

Parents may assume that children learn language solely from them, but in reality, children acquire language from the various communities they interact with. By preschool age, children may feel more comfortable using the language of their peers outside the home. Children can become fluent bilinguals, even if their parents are not fluent in both languages. This applies to both sign and spoken languages, as deaf children do not simply repeat their hearing parents' mistakes in sign language.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.

If my child learns to sign from the deaf community, do I still have to learn the sign language?

Yes, early exposure to a fully accessible natural language is crucial for deaf children to develop language skills and benefit from all that language offers. Signing at home allows deaf children to interact with their family in meaningful ways, promoting cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial development. Experts agree that joyful, communicative family interactions are vital for the child's development and the well-being of the entire family.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.

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How do I, as a parent, go about learning a sign language? How do I meet the local deaf community and introduce my deaf child into it?

Parents of deaf children need support in learning sign language and managing the challenges they face. The internet is an invaluable tool, offering both helpful and conflicting advice, so it's important for parents to focus on sites that emphasize language acquisition and joyful family interaction. Parents should also advocate for their children's rights and encourage them to self-advocate. Developing curricula and technologies, like mobile apps for sign language, can aid in learning. Ultimately, learning sign language requires frequent practice in various contexts, including interaction with other signers in the community. Local resources, such as community centers, schools for the deaf, and online lessons, offer valuable opportunities for families to integrate sign language into their daily lives.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.

It's important to check with your local deaf community, you can your local SILENT partners for additional support, information and resources.

I’m concerned that my deaf child, whether with or without cochlear implants, will struggle with their identity.

Embrace your child’s deafness as an integral part of who they are, and help them feel proud of their unique identity. Encouraging connections with the deaf community, where they can see role models and find others who share similar experiences, is an important step. Whether they use cochlear implants, hearing aids, or sign language, the key is to provide a loving, accepting environment where your child feels confident and supported in their identity.

As a mother of a deaf child with cochlear implants, I understand the worry about identity. My child, who has strong connections to the deaf community, went through some challenging teenage years, but now as an adult, she has a strong sense of self, rooted in both the deaf community and the world of hearing.

Ana, Portugal

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Is it a problem if I communicate with my child in a mixture of signing, gesturing, and speaking?

​In addition to acquiring natural sign language, it is perfectly fine for communication methods to be combined; in fact, this can be beneficial for the child.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.

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Cochlear implants and sign language should go hand in hand; it’s important that one is not considered in isolation from the other. Both should be used together to support communication and language development.

Julia, Austria

Besides learning a sign language and using it with my deaf child, what else should I be doing as a parent?

Parents of deaf children should engage in everyday activities like playing, cooking, gardening, and sports, just as with any child. This involvement helps prevent depressive or anxiety disorders and fosters meaningful communication and language development. Joint activities provide context and understanding, which are crucial for cognitive and language fluency. Sign language, with or without a cochlear implant, offers clear meaning for deaf children, and activities that evoke meaning bring it to life. Parents should actively involve their deaf children in daily life, as this effort benefits their long-term development. Sharing books and stories, especially those with sign language, plays a key role in literacy skills and theory of mind, helping children develop reading abilities. Many resources, including videos and eBooks, are available online to support this learning.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.

I am overwhelmed with conflicting advice. What messages about my deaf child and me should I be paying attention to?

Parents of deaf children face outdated and conflicting narratives about sign languages, hearing technologies, and educational strategies. It's essential for parents to filter through this information with guidance from medical professionals. A positive approach, supported by recent research, helps raise well-adjusted deaf adults who can fully participate in society.

Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30623850/

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. (Year). Support for parents of deaf children: Common questions and informed, evidence-based answers.