Parents of hearing impaired / deaf children

[TammyC]

Hello,

I'm not actually in East Dulwich, but nearby (Crofton Park), so hope it's okay to post here, as it seems to be one of the most active forums in the wider area.

My three-month-old (second) baby was born with Microtia and Atresia, and will be getting his first hearing aid next week. I was wondering if...

- anyone knows of any local groups for parents of children with these conditions / hearing impairment (I've tried making contact though the LDCS website, but no reply, so not sure if that's currently active)...

- anyone reading this has a baby / child with a hearing impairment and can offer advice (if the child is older) or wants to compare notes (if the baby is a similar age)...the system has been a nightmare so far and I'd really like to know what other people are accessing in terms of support / checks / services...

- anyone has any other pointers / comments / advice (still all very new so don't even know properly what I should be after, if that makes sense!)

Thanks a lot,

Tammy

[Otta]

Have a look here if you haven't already done so

http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/index.html

They are very much active.

[silverdaze]

Hi Tammy,

Your Audiologist should refer you to your borough's Hearing Support Service (if you are Lewisham it will be the Sensory Service Team).

Hearing aids will be so benificial especially at such a young age to help develop language and sound awareness. Be confident about the hearing aid. They are made for children and will be set for the right level for your child this may take a little time to get it exactly right but essential so as to not over amplify.

Join the NDCS they are free to join and will be a great resource for you. They also do weekends away for families in similar situations. You will also be able to order some booklets about supporting your child both through the early years and at school and explain the processes.

If you have any further queries feel free to ask. I have worked with hearing impaired children for a while now.

[TammyC]

Thank you both for replying. And thanks very much, silverdaze, for offering help with further queries - I may well come back to you...