Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss

The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic is committed to supporting our families throughout their journey.  For your convenience, some of the more common questions our families ask include:

Who can help my family navigate our unique needs?

When it comes to caring for your child’s healthcare related needs the phrase “it takes an army” may not feel too far off.  Your family may work with a variety of professionals in different areas of your child’s care.  At the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic, we appreciate that navigating your child’s unique needs can be complex and overwhelming.  Our Patient and Family Centered Care Coordinator can help connect your family to the resources and support services your child needs both at the University of Michigan and in your local community. Learn more about our Pediatric Audiology Patient and Family Centered Outreach Program and how we can help.

Where can I find more information about hearing loss?

Visit the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic page to learn more about hearing loss, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, types of testing, treatment and management, and how to schedule an appointment at our clinic.

How do I connect with other parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

  • Guide by Your Side™ (GBYS) is a program for families with infants or children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.  GBYS is a Michigan Hands & Voices program that is funded and coordinated by the Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program.  GBYS gives families who recently learned of their child’s hearing loss an opportunity to meet with another parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.  The program is free to all Michigan families. Our Patient and Family Centered Care Coordinator can also assist your family with finding local opportunities to network with families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. For more information, call (734) 232-5759 or email [email protected].
  • Each year the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic partners with the Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) to put on the Family Matters! Workshop.  Family Matters! is a one-day workshop for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their families.  Parents, siblings, and other family members are welcome to attend.  Programs are planned for children of all ages throughout the day.  Parents attend speaker sessions that are designed for both oral and manual communication modes.  Meals and snacks are provided throughout the day.  Childcare is also available onsite for infants and toddlers.

What is Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) and how can it help my family?

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is a program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It is for children and some adults with special health care needs and their families.  For families of children who have been diagnosed with a hearing loss, CSHCS can help provide insurance coverage and referrals for specialty services based on your child’s diagnosis.  If you are interested in learning more about CSHCS, eligibility, or how to sign up, we recommend discussing CSHCS with your child’s audiologist during your next appointment. 

Where can I learn more about educational advocacy?

  • Success for Kids with Hearing Loss offers valuable information for families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing including information on school aged children with hearing loss, possible educational effects of hearing loss, preparing for your child to start school, information to discuss with your child’s teacher, Individual Educations Plans (IEP) and 504 plans, developing your child’s reading skills, and more.
  • The Hands & Voices program offers a downloadable IEP Meeting planner.

What is Early On and how can these services help my child?

All children identified with hearing loss are strongly encouraged to have an evaluation with their local Early On provider. Early On Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families.

Research has shown that by addressing delays early on - especially between birth and age 3 - we can more effectively impact a child's development, even into adulthood.

Your Early On provider can help gather important information regarding how your child grows and learns (e.g. thinking, talking, moving, hearing, seeing, responding to others).  The purpose of this evaluation process is to better understand the whole picture of your child. This important process can often help to come up with an individualized plan for your child called an Individualized Family Service Plan.

What U-M programs or events are available for families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

University of Michigan Pediatric Audiology offers an annual workshop for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and their families called Family Matters!  This event is a one-day workshop for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their families.  Parents, siblings, and other family members are welcome to attend.  Programs are planned for children of all ages throughout the day.  Parents attend speaker sessions that are designed for both oral and manual communication modes.  Meals and snacks are provided throughout the day.  Childcare is also available onsite for infants and toddlers.