Support is available to families with a baby or a young child who is diagnosed with a hearing loss. This includes referral to services and learning programs.
About diagnosed hearing loss
How hearing loss is diagnosed
All babies born in South Australia are screened for hearing loss.
Older children are usually referred for clinical assessment when their doctor or health service suspects they have a hearing loss.
What happens after the diagnosis
If the assessment confirms a hearing loss, your family will be referred to the Family Support Coordinator – Hearing at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The Family Support Coordinator is experienced in the education of children with hearing loss. They will:
- talk to your family about the impact of your child's hearing loss
- connect you with services and organisations that can help your child.
Available education support services
You may be able to access individual support in your home or in an early childhood setting.
The support is provided by a team of qualified teachers of the deaf and a speech pathologist. It's available through the Early Intervention Service - Deaf and Hard of Hearing (or in regional areas by Special Educators - Hearing).
The level of support you receive will be based on your child’s individual functional needs.
Families actively participate in the program, which includes:
- teaching and learning programs
- home visits
- playgroups.
Teaching and learning programs - at preschool or at home
Sessions can be held either at home or at your child’s preschool. That depends on your family’s needs. Sessions include:
- learning through speaking and listening techniques
- use of sign language if appropriate
- a holistic approach to development
- family centred early intervention.
An early intervention service may be offered in the family home. That’s because:
- children learn best when they feel comfortable in their home environment
- this is where most speech and language learning take place
- normal household routines can be maintained
- families know their children best.
Playgroups
Some playgroups provide opportunities for parents to meet other families of deaf and hard of hearing children. You may find them through:
- the Early Intervention Service - Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- some primary schools catering for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Talk to your school to find out if they offer a playgroup as part of their early years program. Find a list of schools on deaf and hard of hearing - support for school children.
Contact
For more information about education support services or for a referral contact:
Department for Education - Inclusive Teaching and Learning Directorate
Phone: 8235 2871
Email: education.ITL@sa.gov.au
