just remember...

But, it is important that you follow up with that information. 

FIRST: Schedule a professional evaluation: Contact your child's pediatrician or an audiologist (preferably a pediatric audiologist) to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. This evaluation will provide a more detailed assessment of your child's hearing abilities and help determine if there is a hearing loss. Keep in mind that Your child's age will most likely determine what kind of evaluation is done. 

SECOND: Develop an action plan: Depending on the severity and cause of the hearing loss, you and your child's healthcare team will develop an action plan. This may involve interventions such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices. Additionally, accommodations and support services within the school setting may be recommended to ensure your child's educational needs are met. Learning a visual language (e.g. ASL) or a visual mode (e.g. Cued Language) to make listening accessible never hurts, no matter the degree of loss or child's auditory speech skills (e.g. English speech). 

THIRD: Communicate with early intervention (under age 3) and/or the school (in writing)- It's important to inform your child's school about the hearing loss diagnosis. The school will need to start an evaluation process so that they can provide necessary accommodations and support, such as preferential seating, use of assistive listening devices, or modifications to classroom instruction. Work closely with the school staff to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, which outlines specific accommodations and support services tailored to your child's needs. Ensuring best educational placement AND access to both social and academic opportunities.

Please be aware that this evaluation process takes time (e.g. Indiana has 50 school days to complete evaluations AFTER the signed permission is given). The school will need copies of the evaluations from the audiologist and other medical professionals, as well. Don't hesitate to ask for the contact information for the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in the district as that person will be your point person throughout the whole process. 

***Keep in mind, early detection and intervention are crucial for children with hearing loss. By taking prompt action, you can ensure that your child receives the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.***