A Parent's Guide to Hearing Loss

Air Date: 05/15/2014

One to three per 1,000 newborns are diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing each year. Due to requirements for early identification and newborn screening, parents are often caught by surprise when they are told their child is deaf or hard of hearing. The good news is that there is a broad array of resources available to help navigate this journey.

Through story segments and studio panel discussions, viewers will learn about: the early identification and newborn screening process; prevention tips to protect children and teens from noise-induced hearing loss; and options to consider for education and parental support. Through personal stories from experts and from parents who have been through this with their children, viewers will hear one prevalent theme in the program – while there is a broad spectrum of support, expertise, and opinions regarding the best course of action, the parents are best qualified to make the best decisions concerning their child’s future.

Special thanks to Boys Town National Research Hospital, Barkley Memorial Center - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hands and Voices Nebraska, Nebraska Association for the Deaf, Nebraska School for the Deaf Alumni Association, Iowa School for the Deaf, Lincoln Public Schools – Irving Middle School, and the Southeast Nebraska Regional Program for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.