What Do You Wish You Had Known Earlier? A Collection of Tips from the CCHAT Community for Children with Hearing Loss

At CCHAT, we know that the hearing loss journey is different for each family. Each child who is deaf or hard of hearing has a unique set of challenges, and CCHAT strives to meet each family’s needs when it comes to the development of listening and spoken language.

With that said, there are a number of tips and strategies that have been gleaned over CCHAT’s 27 years that can be implemented across the board. With hundreds of students having graduated from CCHAT’s program and having gone on to enjoy academic and social success, there is a wealth of knowledge that can be passed down to families who are just beginning their hearing loss journeys and have little idea of what to expect in the coming years.

The following pieces of advice come from CCHAT alumni families and students, as well as CCHAT staff members and current parents, who have experience in handling the challenges that come with a hearing loss diagnosis. 

“I wish that I would have connected with parents of kids who are DHH early on to let us know that we are not alone on this journey. Learning from their experiences can give you the hope and confidence you need to support your child. I now find it important to be an advocate for your child, teach them how to advocate for themselves, and have your child be a part of every IEP meeting. In this way, your child understands how the IEP team is planning to help him/her be successful in school.” - Juvy Hensley, CCHAT alumni parent

“I wish I knew not to be so hard on myself as a parent of a child with hearing loss, to be more graceful and patient with myself, and to remember everyone’s journey is different. I also wish I knew earlier to cut out screen time.” - Kiesha Wynne, CCHAT parent

“Ask your families and friends for support. Talk to people who went through the things you are going through.” - Moses Silchuk, CCHAT alumni student

“Be confident in your hearing loss. Don't be afraid to talk about it with your classmates and peers.” - Marissa Perkins, CCHAT alumni student

“It's going to be a more challenging life at times, but hey, that's OK! I certainly still face challenges at times associated with being a deaf adult, but we live in an extraordinary time where technology, teaching methodology and audiological services create an amazing opportunity for your child to thrive now and throughout their lives.” - John Porteous, CCHAT Board Member

“Deafness is hard. It requires a lot of brain power, especially for kids. Make sure your child's well-being is put first – in the classroom, in sports and in social settings. Be patient and advocate. There are so many resources for us, too!” - McCall Madriago, CCHAT alumni student

“In deaf education, parents and staff members are teammates. We all have the same goal, and that is success for the child. We can all learn from each other and should work together in every way possible.” - Melissa McNamara, CCHAT Teacher of the Deaf

“We think being involved in a team sport helps build confidence, accountability, and shows our children that their disability will not stop them from doing things that other kids their age do.” - Teresa Crable, CCHAT alumni parent

“Every opportunity is an opportunity for language acquisition. I remember going to bed with a sore throat every night from talking so much.” - Kristen Scifres, CCHAT alumni parent

“If you choose to remain positive and stay connected to the staff and fellow parents, this can be a beautiful journey.” - Nikko Thomas, CCHAT parent

“One of the most important tips I can offer to families of children with hearing loss is to start helping your child develop his/her advocacy skills as early as possible.” - Leah Lind, CCHAT Teacher of the Deaf

“Hearing loss is one of the most commonly overlooked (issues) by parents, providers and teachers. If your child isn’t talking much, get their hearing checked with an ENT (otolaryngologist).” - Stuart Steene-Connolly, CCHAT alumni parent

“My biggest tip for parents is to allow your children to become self-advocates! It's not a good idea to coddle them. Treat your child with hearing loss no differently than you would your hearing children!” - Lisa McWilliams, CCHAT Speech-Language Pathologist

“Even when you feel that your child isn’t progressing at the rate you anticipated, have faith that it will be OK! Stick with the plan created for your child.” - Laurie Jordanoglou, CCHAT alumni parent

“My words for parents are just to trust the process. CCHAT will give you all the building blocks your children will need to be mainstreamed.” - Elijah Guenthner, CCHAT alumni student

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and utilize your resources. We are all on this hearing journey but at different crossroads, so there's so much support.” - Tina Bixby, CCHAT alumni parent

“Follow through with the audiologist's instructions, no matter if it seems like an uphill battle. Trust the staff at CCHAT; they are experts at teaching listening and spoken language. Be consistent with attendance, and practice at home what the staff recommends.” - Jon and Missy Dougherty, CCHAT alumni parents

“There is a lot of work involved in helping a child learn to listen and talk. Even as a retired teacher, it’s a learning curve. You are fortunate to have the internet and your CCHAT resources to learn about your child’s listening devices and how you can best support him/her.” - Jeanie Simpson, CCHAT Board Member and alumni grandparent

The journey of navigating hearing loss for children is a unique and challenging one, but with the wealth of knowledge and experiences shared by the CCHAT community, families can find hope, support, and valuable strategies to guide them along the way. From advocating for your child to fostering self-advocacy skills early on, embracing challenges, utilizing resources, and trusting the process, each tip and insight offered by alumni families, students, staff members, and parents emphasizes the importance of unity, patience, and perseverance in ensuring the success and well-being of children with hearing loss. By coming together as a team, remaining positive, and staying connected, this journey can indeed be a beautiful and fulfilling one for all involved.