What my daughter taught me as a hearing child

Having a hearing child really threw me! As a Deaf woman, it felt like I had to re-learn everything about what hearing children do and figure out how to navigate this new terrain. When the hospital came back and said my daughter had 'passed' her hearing test, my heart sank.

Would I ever be able to connect with my daughter if she wasn’t like me? The uncertainty was daunting and scary, let alone all the other emotions that are running high as a first time parent.

Creating Our New Normal

Slowly, I began to teach myself how to make this our new normal. As an avid learner, I got to work learning about the needs and behaviors of hearing children, seeking advice from others. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to give my daughter the best of both worlds.

Bimodal Communication

Thankfully in our house, we had already embraced bimodal communication, using a both Auslan and spoken language with my family and friends. This approach allowed me to communicate in the best way possible for me, while ensuring my daughter had the tools she needed to thrive in a hearing world. It was a learning curve for all of us, but over time, we found our rhythm.

Finding Connection

The fear that I wouldn’t be able to connect with my daughter gradually faded as we built our unique bond. I remembered that connection goes beyond language; it’s about love, understanding, and shared experiences. My husband and I made the decision to teach her Auslan as soon as she started communicating, to enable her to communicate with me, but also because the reality is that she was already watching and learning from how we communicated with each other. It warms my heart to see her learning Auslan and communicating with me in every way she knows how at this young age.

Embracing Vulnerability

Sharing this journey is not easy, but I hope that by being vulnerable and open, I can help other parents facing similar challenges. Whether your child or loved one is unexpectedly hearing or unexpectedly hard of hearing, know that you are not alone. We are all navigating uncharted waters, learning, and growing every day.

Celebrating Our Efforts

It’s important to recognise that we are doing a great job. Parenting is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, but our love and dedication make all the difference. Embrace the uniqueness of your family’s situation, celebrate your efforts, and continue to build those bridges of connection and understanding.

Join the Conversation

At Auslan for Families, we are here to support you on your journey. Whether you’re raising a hearing child in a Deaf household, navigating the challenges of a child with hearing loss, or have a family member who is experiencing hearing loss, we offer resources, guidance, and a community that understands.