I often get phone calls from frantic parents following the diagnosis of a hearing loss in their child asking for me to explain clinical reports and medical jargon from the initial ABR through to follow up assessments. When speaking to parents of hearing impaired children diagnosed shortly after birth about their experience they shared that in the initial stages of diagnosis grief deeply impacted how they retained and processed information resulting in misinterpretation. One tired parent shared her experience of struggling to take her child’s hearing aids out every time he napped throughout the day as it woke him up. She didn’t realise that this information was more focused on bedtime and not so much of an issue if he fell asleep in his car seat.
When confronted with unexpected or difficult news such as learning your child has a hearing loss emotions can override cognitive processing leading to misunderstandings or forgotten details. It is so important as clinicians that we are able to provide the information in those early stages using clear, concise language emphasizing possibilities helping them to view their child’s hearing impairment as a manageable aspect of life rather than a setback. Using handouts and visual aids that they can refer back to is also useful in preventing misinterpretation. Short appointments in the early stages can also be beneficial to prevent information overload.
Every situation will be different and we need to be mindful in ensuring we pitch our information to suit the target audience. Asking the parents to reflect back on the conversation had can also be a useful tool in avoiding early misunderstandings.
Coming soon
Free virtual information sessions for parents of hearing impaired children .