If your child has hearing loss
If you've been told your child has hearing loss, be sure to know there are many ways to help them.
What you'll find on this page
- One family's story about how they overcame hearing loss.
- Facts and figures about deafness.
- What to do if your child has hearing loss.
If you've been told your child has hearing loss, you may feel overwhelmed. That's normal. There is no right way to react to such news, so give yourself time and draw on the love and support of family and friends.
Although you may feel alone, there are many parents who've been where you are. About 34 million children worldwide have disabling hearing loss1 and up to five in every 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss or lose their hearing soon after birth.1
"When she was actually able to hear for the very first time, the moment was just amazing. She stood still, looked at me, giving me the biggest smile and laughed! She had never laughed like that before."
- Eva Natale, mother of Teresa, Cochlear™ implant recipient
You are not alone
Read 10 facts about deafness from the World Health Organization to learn more about hearing loss around the world.
Hope for children with hearing loss
The right solution allows children with hearing loss to enjoy a life full of sounds, speech, laughter and music. Even children born profoundly deaf can learn with confidence at a mainstream school, dance along to their favourite songs and hear you say, "I love you."
Exploring the options for your child is the first step to achieving their best possible outcome. Be confident that you will make the best decision, because no one loves your child as you do.
What can I do if my child has hearing loss?
Find out as much as you can. Cochlear offers many hearing solutions that have helped children around the world for almost 40 years. We can give you the information you need.
When you're ready, we can put you in touch with other parents who have been in your place and who know how you feel.
Find a hearing specialist near you
More information
Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.
For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.
Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.
References
- 10 facts about Deafness [Internet]. World Health Organization; (2018), [cited 5 October 2018]. Available from: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/deafness/en/