Frequently Asked Questions
How do I communicate with my deaf child?
The main thing is to follow your child's lead and "think visual." Your child isn’t able to hear your voice as clearly (depending on their level of deafness), so as much as possible try to use more visual ways of communicating with them. This can include eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, pointing, using pictures or showing objects, as well as using British Sign Language (BSL). Tap your child to get their attention before you speak, gesture, or sign to them.
Take a look at our Helpful Information page – the Language and Literacy Development videos have some more suggestions for good connection and communication with your child.
Should my child learn BSL?
In Swansea we support a Bilingual approach, so we do encourage families to learn BSL. As a visual, hands-on language, learning BSL is something that can benefit many children, whether hearing or deaf. It is a fully accessible language for deaf children, and deaf children can learn language naturally through BSL in the same way that hearing children learn spoken language. However, this is ultimately your choice as a family and we will discuss with individual families to find the best way of supporting you and your child.
Does BSL mean my child won’t be able to speak as well?
Certainly not. Learning BSL will help your child to learn important language concepts, and this will actually support the development of any spoken languages. The most important thing for your child is language, and their brain doesn’t mind if it’s signed language or spoken language. Whatever they learn through BSL, they can later transfer to spoken language – in the same way that bilingual children who use a spoken language can transfer their knowledge to another spoken language (English to Welsh, or Polish to English, etc).
Can my child use BSL if they have a cochlear implant/hearing aid?
Yes definitely! Cochlear implants and hearing aids are helpful for many children but they do not “fix” deafness, and technology is not always reliable. BSL is a fully accessible language for your child in any situation – if their device is broken, if the batteries have died, if they have an ear infection, or if they’re in the bath/pool and can’t wear their hearing aids.
Should the whole family learn BSL?
If your child is learning BSL, then it will definitely help them if the whole family is learning as well. This way they will have more opportunities to see and use the language, and learning together can help build closer family relationships as well. It’s also a really powerful message to your child, that their family accepts them as they are and is willing to learn a new language to communicate with them.
Take a look at our Lived Experiences page, where you can watch videos of deaf young people and their families sharing their experiences of learning BSL together.
What do I do if my child’s hearing aids/cochlear implants break?
For any problems with your child’s hearing aids, you can contact audiology:
Telephone: 01792 285270
Email: Audiology.Singleton@wales.nhs.uk
Text message: 07875 575842.
For queries about your child’s cochlear implant, you can contact:
Email: Paedsci.Helpline.Cav@wales.nhs.uk
Telephone: 02921 845054
Text: 07855 078 241
For cochlear implant processor/equipment issues, contact “Cochlear Care” who will provide spares and repairs and send them directly to you:
Freephone: 0800 035 6318
Direct Line: 01932 263 630
Mobile: 07767 167 824 (SMS only) Email: ukcare@cochlear.com
How do I get more hearing aid batteries?
Contact audiology – they can post them to you or you can pick them up.
Does my child qualify for DLA?
Many deaf children will qualify for DLA – you can contact NDCS for more information and support with the application process.
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/money-and-benefits/disability-living-allowance/dla/
How can I meet other parents of deaf children?
Swansea Deaf Centre has groups and events – contact talkinghandscyp@gmail.com
Llanelli Deaf Centre also has groups and events – contact llanellideafclub@gmail.com
You can also ask your child’s Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People, as they may be able to put you in contact with other parents near you or with a child of a similar age etc.
Hearing impaired? Deaf? Hearing loss? Which words should I use?
We use the term Deaf, as this is the term most used and accepted in the Deaf Community. We don’t use the words “hearing impaired” or “hearing loss” as they are quite negative and focus on something being “wrong” with your child. We aim to promote a more positive view of deafness.
Will my child be able to…play sports, get a job, go to university, drive...?
Yes! As many deaf adults will say – deaf children can do anything except hear. Yes, there may be some extra challenges and hurdles along the way, but there is also a great deal of support out there, as well as lots of amazing Deaf role models who have already done it! Have a look at our Lived Experiences page for videos of Deaf adults and young people sharing about their experiences.
How can I make our home accessible for our deaf child?
Again, think visual! There are many technologies available such as flashing lights that link to doorbells or fire alarms, which may be helpful depending on your child’s age. For older children, there are alarms that vibrate or flash lights to help your child wake up. Put subtitles on the TV and use pictures/visuals around the house.
Contact NDCS for more information on technology available:
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/technology-for-deaf-children-and-young-people/