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My Child Has Been Diagnosed With Hearing Loss. Now What?

Hearing the words “your child has hearing loss” can feel overwhelming. Many parents describe a flood of emotions all at once — shock, grief, confusion, fear, relief at finally having answers, and an urgent need to know what happens next.

The good news is that there is support available in Australia, and you do not have to navigate this alone.

Whether your child is hard of hearing, Deaf, uses hearing technology, uses Auslan, or may eventually use a combination of communication approaches, early access to information and support can make a significant difference.


First Things First: You Do Not Need to Figure Everything Out Immediately

You do not need to make every decision at once.
Many families feel pressured to decide immediately:

  • hearing aids or cochlear implants

  • spoken language or Auslan

  • mainstream or specialist education

  • therapy pathways

  • technology choices


But your child’s journey will evolve over time. What matters most right now is:

  • ensuring your child has access to communication

  • connecting with support services

  • understanding available funding

  • building a strong support network


Hearing Australia: Your First Major Support Service

In Australia, most children under 26 with permanent hearing loss are eligible for government-funded hearing services through the Hearing Services Program. This includes services delivered through Hearing Australia.

Support may include:

  • hearing assessments

  • hearing aids

  • cochlear implant support

  • speech processor upgrades

  • repairs and maintenance

  • ongoing audiology services

  • family support and education


Children and young adults under 26 who meet eligibility criteria can receive fully subsidised hearing devices and ongoing audiological support.

If your child has recently been diagnosed, ask your audiologist or ENT specialist to help you connect with Hearing Australia as early as possible.

Can My Child Access the NDIS?

Possibly — but eligibility depends on functional impact, not diagnosis alone.

The NDIS hearing supports information page explains that Deaf and hard-of-hearing children may qualify if they meet the disability or early intervention requirements under the NDIS Act. 

The NDIS may fund supports beyond what Hearing Australia provides, including:

  • early intervention supports

  • Auslan services

  • therapy supports

  • assistive technology

  • communication supports

  • supports related to participation at school or in the community


Examples may include:

  • family Auslan classes

  • Deaf mentor programs

  • speech therapy

  • occupational therapy

  • communication devices

  • alerting systems


However, families should know:

  • not every Deaf child automatically qualifies

  • the NDIS looks at how hearing loss impacts daily functioning

  • evidence from audiologists, specialists, and therapists is important


The NDIS also has a Hearing Stream pathway designed to prioritise access for children newly diagnosed with permanent hearing loss. 

You can learn more here:


If Your Child Is Already at School

If your child is school-aged, there are important steps to take quickly.

Inform the School

Arrange a meeting with:

  • your child’s classroom teacher

  • wellbeing staff

  • disability inclusion coordinator

  • learning support team

  • principal (if needed)

Provide copies of:

  • audiology reports

  • specialist reports

  • recommendations from Hearing Australia

  • NDIS plans (if applicable)


Ask About Educational Supports

Depending on your child’s needs, supports may include:

  • classroom sound field systems

  • FM systems or remote microphone technology

  • captioning

  • note-taking support

  • Auslan interpreters

  • seating adjustments

  • visual learning supports

  • reduced background noise strategies

  • additional learning support

Some children appear to cope academically while still experiencing significant listening fatigue, social exclusion, or missed information throughout the school day.


Request Reasonable Adjustments

Under Australian disability discrimination law, schools are required to make reasonable adjustments to support access and participation.

You can ask for:

  • written instructions alongside verbal instructions

  • captioned videos

  • teacher awareness training

  • extra processing time

  • visual alerts

  • communication access accommodations


Monitor Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing children work extremely hard to “keep up” socially and academically.

Watch for:

  • exhaustion after school

  • withdrawal

  • anxiety

  • frustration

  • isolation from peers

  • behavioural changes

Access to communication is not just educational — it is emotional and social too.


Deaf Organisations and Family Support Services Across Australia

Connecting with Deaf organisations can be life-changing for families. These organisations provide advocacy, Auslan programs, mentoring, information, social connection, and support in navigating systems.

Victoria

Tasmania

Other states and territories


You Do Not Have to Choose Between Worlds

Many families feel pressured into an “either/or” mindset:

  • speech OR sign

  • Deaf community OR mainstream community

  • technology OR identity

But children can thrive in many different ways.

Some children:

  • use hearing aids and Auslan

  • speak and sign

  • move between Deaf and hearing spaces

  • identify strongly with Deaf culture

  • identify as hard of hearing

  • change communication preferences over time

The goal is not to force your child into one pathway. The goal is communication access, belonging, and wellbeing.


Final Thoughts

Right now, it may feel like everything has changed.

But your child is still your child.

They still need:

  • love

  • connection

  • communication

  • access

  • understanding

  • community

And importantly, you do not have to navigate this journey alone. There are professionals, Deaf adults, organisations, educators, and other families ready to support you every step of the way.


By Cassandra Wright-Dole

A Deaf researcher and lived experience advocate, Cassandra supports families through the emotional and practical realities of childhood hearing loss. Explore support services at Cassandra Wright-Dole - Support and Advocacy.

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