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A Parent's Power to Choose

Article | 6 min read
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No one knows your baby quite like you do. No one is more familiar with your baby’s rhythms and routines. No one will better distinguish their hungry cry from their sleepy cry. Some days it may feel like there’s a lot that you don’t know — but as their parent, you’re the best person for the job.

For many families, the news that their child is deaf or hard of hearing can come with a world of unknowns. With 95% of children with hearing loss born to hearing parents, there may be no family history or familiarity with options or outcomes. You may have doubts or uncertainties that you know what’s best for your baby as you wonder what life will be like or what the future might hold.

Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain is normal. Fortunately, there are professionals out there who can provide you with the information and guidance you need to discern what steps and decisions are best for you, your baby, and your family. Make sure you find a professional who is up to date about what’s possible for children with hearing loss today.

The first and most important step is to consider what you want for your child’s future.

Use this as your guide to choose the communication approach that will help your child  achieve that future you imagine. Many parents find information on communication approaches to be conflicting and confusing, making it difficult to select the best option for their little one. Thinking about what you want for your child will help you get started.

FAQ for Parents Facing This Decision:

1. Who is best qualified to make decisions about my baby’s intervention?

Believe it or not, you are! When it comes to the decisions about your child’s hearing loss — you are your baby’s best advocate. Professionals, other parents, your family members, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing may all have strong feelings about the best way for your baby to learn and communicate. Remember that it’s not their decision. It’s yours. As parents you have the right and responsibility to decide the best course for your baby. Envision the future you want for your child then take the steps that will help lead them there.

2. How do I know if I’m making the choice that is best for my child and family?

The best way to know you’re making the best choice for your baby is to get all the information about the outcomes that are possible today. It’s okay if you don’t feel fully qualified to review this information and make this choice, but you have the right to know your options. Consider sitting down with a qualified early interventionist who can discuss today’s outcomes and your options without bias. You may want to talk with other parents who have faced similar decisions. Learn as much as you can about the different communication outcomes, consider what best fits your unique circumstances, and then trust your instincts.

3. What is “informed choice?”

Informed choice is the process of deciding from all the options based on complete and accurate information. Getting started on what works for your family and supports your vision for the future is important. You deserve to have the complete picture and a strong understanding of all the options available to your child. Sometimes parents are presented with limited choices because the professionals working with them aren’t aware of what’s possible for children with hearing loss today. They might have preconceived notions about the correct course. We believe that as your baby’s parent you can only make the right choice when you’re able to make an informed choice.

4. How do I get all the information I need?

You’ll need access to timely, unbiased, relevant, and culturally sensitive information. Where can you find that? Here’s how to get started:

Start by talking to a qualified professional.

A qualified early interventionist or a professional with expertise in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) will discuss your family’s choices and share communication approaches. That person should listen to your concerns and get to know your goals for your child. A professional partner will use this understanding to help your family make the best choice for your child. Click here to learn more about building your support team.

Talk with others who’ve been there. 

It’s always helpful to talk to someone who has walked a mile in the shoes you’re considering wearing! If LSL is an option you’re considering, you can meet other families in our Family Support Community or our private Facebook group.

The Internet can be helpful but it can also be biased, conflicting, or confusing.  

A quick Google search may be our first instinct and it can provide a great starting place. Be mindful of the credibility and consistency of the sites you visit. Organizations may use different terms or express opposing points of view. 

Time is of the Essence

Whatever approach you choose, it’s important to act quickly for the sake of your baby’s early brain development. Information gathering takes time, and time is especially precious when making this important decision for your child’s future.

Once you’ve chosen an approach for your child, find the most qualified professional possible and get started right away.

Learn More About Getting Started with LSL

Related Resources

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Thousands of parents have been in your shoes. Find other parents who can share from experience, offer encouragement, and help your family reach your LSL goals.

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