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As every parent of a child with cochlear implants knows, their task isn’t an easy one. Juggling the responsibilities of the different appointments - therapy, mappings, evaluations, & IEPs, are overwhelming. Add to it the hassle of dealing with the equipment - replacing broken parts, changing batteries, setting the proper program; are a full time job in itself… All this leaves little time left over for anything else, let alone to focus on doing anything to improve the child’s hearing & speech skills.

The evidence is clear - children who have succeeded with their cochlear implants all had parents that were strong advocates for their child. The power of a parent’s advocacy & involvement can not actually be underestimated. No professional - be it the child’s speech therapist or their audiologist, can replace what a child learns from their mother. The professional should be viewed only as a tool - to provide instruction & to evaluate the child’s progress.

Parents may think that their lack of professional knowledge stops them from being able to do much for their child.

This is absolutely untrue.

Chance upon any parent of a cochlear implanted child that is doing very well. You’ll find that prior to their child’s condition, they knew nothing about the subject. With the proper approach, they focused on becoming familiar with the topics, & utilizing their knowledge to secure proper care for their child & to ensure that sufficient progress was being made.

For your child’s sake - be involved. Learn something new every day, & apply your knowledge properly. Know your rights when securing funding for your child’s services. Research online, join a membership, attend a conference, your knowledge & your attitude will change dramatically. Your child’s ultimate success will make it all worthwhile.

Cochlear Celebration 2007, held this past February in San Antonio, was a conference for cochlear implant recipients & their families. There is more. The event provided a great opportunity for parents to meet & draw inspiration from one another. Read more about this wonderful event by clicking here.

Aaron & Nechama Parnes are parents of a 5 year old cochlear implant user. They have been involved in studying & writing about issues & matters related to deaf children & how they can successfully be taught to hear & speak with the right preparation. They are the owners of Hearing Pocket, which develops products that provide an easier way to wear the cochlear implant. Their website also contains articles full of great tips & useful information for other parents of young hearing-impaired children with cochlear implants.

Go to www.hearingpocket.com.

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