When
we are told that our child is deaf or has a hearing loss,
we normally experience a variety of emotions. These emotions
may include relief, shock, fear, denial, sadness, grief,
confusion, anger, guilt, disbelief, and surprise.
~"When
my daughter's hearing loss was finally diagnosed I felt
such a sense of relief. That might sound odd, but I was
so relieved because despite what her doctor and my friends
and family had been telling me, I knew something was wrong.
Finally getting a diagnosis meant that we had a place
to start. We knew what we were dealing with, and now we
could begin to educate ourselves and try to figure out
the next step."
~"I
cannot remember anything they said after the word "deaf."
I had to call the office later and ask for all the details
over again."
~"I
was surprised to learn she had a hearing loss, and I felt
guilty about the possible causes."
~"I
was very scared because it was unknown to us. We didn't
know what DEAFNESS meant."
~"I
was very depressed for awhile."
~"I
was devastated and shocked. I remember only being able
to go home. I wasn't able to get on with the normal daily
activity. I just had to be at home. I was shattered. The
first week I cried a lot, and desperately wanted to do
everything in my power to make her hear! I had heard about
the Cochlear Implant and my initial reaction was that
it must be the way to make everything right again."
~"I
was relieved that it was ONLY deafness."
~"For
me, the hardest part at the beginning was fear of the
unknown."
Uncomfortable
Territory
Most of us have never had any experience with deafness or
hearing loss of any kind, and therefore suddenly find ourselves
launched into very unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.
For many, this experience is not unlike the grief process.
It is very individual; everyone reacts differently.
No Wrong Way to React
Some parents have little problem accepting the diagnosis
and seem to move on without a hitch, while others find themselves
struggling to come to terms with it, sometimes for an extended
period of time. Regardless of what your reaction is, be
assured that it is normal. There is no right or wrong way
to react.
When
we are told that our child is deaf or has a hearing loss,
we normally experience a variety of emotions. These emotions
may include relief, shock, fear, denial, sadness, grief,
confusion, anger, guilt, disbelief, and surprise.
Uncomfortable
Territory
