What does the Future Hold?

Even before our children are born we have dreams and expectations for them. When we learn that they have a hearing loss, some of those dreams may die, and expectations can change. Fear often replaces the anticipation of all our child can accomplish, and many parents grieve over what they perceive can never be. In time, most parents come to realize that many of these dreams can still be accomplished, despite the hearing loss.

One of the best ways for parents to realize this is by contact with other parents who have already gone through this. In this section, parents talk about what their dreams and expectations were for their child before the diagnosis, as well as how these have changed over the years that have followed. We have asked parents who have older children to talk a little bit about the fears they might have had for their child's future at the time the hearing loss was first identified, and how those fears have lessened or resolved as their child has grown up. If you are a new parent, you will hopefully find comfort and be encouraged by knowing that the feelings you are experiencing are shared by other parents.

Expectations . . .Then and Now
Resolving Our Fears
Follow Your Child's Lead