What are the first signs that parents should look for when they are suspicious of a hearing loss?
Unless a family has reason to expect the possibility of a hearing loss, some of the early signs may be missed. Sometimes, hoping that suspicions are not true, parents wait before having their baby's hearing checked. However, it's important to test the child's hearing as soon as you suspect that there may be a problem. If there is a hearing loss, it can be assessed and when appropriate, the baby can be fitted with hearing aids. You should be concerned if you notice that:

• Your infant does not startle to loud or sudden noises, or turn toward sound.
• By 8 months, the baby is not cooing, babbling, or laughing.
• By 12 months, the child is not trying to imitate sounds and actions in turn-taking games or is not understanding simple commands.  (http://www.agbell.org)

Can you actually test a newborn baby’s hearing?
Yes! A newborn baby needs to be sleeping for the audiological evaluation. See AABR

How do you keep hearing aids on a little baby?
Babies wear their hearing aids while they are awake. Hearing aids stay on baby’s little ears with toupee tape (sticky two-sided tape).

Are there any support groups for parents of children with hearing loss?
Hearts for Hearing has routinely scheduled family workshops. We also have parents for you to contact for valuable information.  
 
What are the variables that can impact my child’s listening and spoken language progress?There are several of these. The age your child was diagnosed and aided can impact your child’s progress. The younger the age of identification, the younger the age of hearing aid wear and subsequent auditory-verbal therapy the more likely your child will move along a normal developmental progression. The earlier the better! Additionally, some children have other diagnoses that may impact their listening and talking progress.
 
How often does my baby need to wear the hearing aids?
Your baby will need to wear the hearing aids during all waking hours. This is important for the baby’s auditory brain development. A lot of listening takes place before a baby begins talking.

When will I begin auditory-verbal therapy?
Newborn babies and their families begin auditory-verbal therapy immediately. We will begin by coaching you in how to enhance your child’s listening and talking in daily, play and social routines. You will learn strategies to fully support baby’s listening during your day to day interactions.    
 
When insurance does not cover the cost of hearing aids.
Hearts for Hearing provides the initial set of hearing aids for every baby born in Oklahoma under the age of five with significant bilateral hearing loss.

For families who express a financial need for audiological and therapy services, please complete the application by clicking here.