What we've learned so far...

Spencer has wanted me to post what we've learned about having a deaf/hard of hearing baby so far--he's only 4 months old, but someone searching for information on a just-diagnosed baby may find this helpful. First of all, order the free video from oraldeafed.org. This will be the best video you'll ever see--and I dare you to watch it without crying. Second, get hearing aids before three months of age. These hearing aids need to be put on with tupee tape--they'll NEVER stay on without it. Plan on getting new molds every month--pay the extra for overnight shipping. Now, for what to do. Talk, talk, talk, talk to your baby. When you're done with that, sing, sing, sing. Nursery rhymes and a sing-song voice are great. Touch your baby's arms, legs, tummy with a touch that goes with your voice--tap him when making a "Bbb" sound, stroke his arm with a longer sound. Take turns conversing with him when he/she babbles. Intervention needs to be provided to you by an AV specialist--contact your state's school for the deaf and blind. You may want to register for the online classes at the John Tracy Clinic--it's free for parents. I hope this helps. I wonder if those reading this blog who have older deaf/hard of hearing children will laugh at how little we know now, but I plan to know as much as is available before Alex hits kindergarten--in his mainstreamed classroom.