Does anyone know of any on-line support groups for mothers of children with a hearing impairment?

Question

I feel so alone and I would like to know that someone else is going through what I am. My son is 4 and wears hearing aids. Now they want him to see a geneticist to see if he has any weird genetic disorders. Having your child not be "perfect" takes a lot out of you. I thank God I have him and know things could be so much worse but I would like somone to talk to that understands.

Answer 1

I am 26 years old and am a hearing impaired audiologist.  I just graduated in May with my doctorate degree in Audiology.  I love working with other hearing impaired people and sharing stories of the trials and successes of living with hearing loss.  I know my mother had many of the same feelings when I was younger and it was really stressful for her.  I just thought I would point out that one can be very successful in life with hearing impairment especially with a great caring mother who pushed them their whole life to not let their hearing loss prevent them from doing ANYTHING.  

Not to scare you, but hearing loss can occur occasionally with other problems.  That is why they want to do the genetic testing.  I believe they now do a lot of genetic testing at birth before the baby leaves the hospital.  Is your son experiencing other health problems?

Answer 2

http://hearinglosshelp.com/weblog/?p=84

http://www.deafandhh.com/

You have a wonderful son with a world of potential and he is lucky to have a concerned mother! I don't know the reason or purpose for genetic testing,perhaps you will learn something interesting and perhaps you can chalk it up to one more test, as I'm sure you have been through a lot already.

I didn't find very many on-line sites..erg! There is a great need as I know it is important to share info and just vent. I hope you can find a club in your town where you can meet other parents. We have a monthly picnic and eve activities in my city where there is a big d/hh community. It really helps.

Know you are not alone and there are people out here who do care and want to help! You will have a fight with many-a teacher, district etc. but I admire the parents like you who advocate for their kids and fight tooth and nail for the right to have equal education.

Meanwhile enjoy books, and reading,explain everything and talk talk talk to him. Go to free library story hour , turn off the t.v and do stuff with him and most of all love on him!

( I'm a teacher of the H.I for 28 yrs) YOU are the key..keep the faith, you can do it.

Answer 3

Have you tried cafemom.com?