Grandparents
Research has shown that the majority of children born with hearing loss are born into families in which the infant is the only, or one of the only few relatives with hearing difficulties. Grandparents may have hearing losses, but these are often associated with very different factors. Also, grandparents need to understand that their experiences with hearing instruments may greatly differ from the experiences the child has when using amplification.
Therefore, grandparents need to remember not to compare their hearing losses and experiences with those of the child - whether positive or negative. Accept what the child is going through as a unique experience, and help make that experience positive.
Questions from the surroundings
One challenge grandparents may have to face involves telling other people about the "new" grandchild. They may feel embarrassed and not know what to say. Often, the best response is a factual one. Thus, grandparents need information; they need to understand the child’s hearing loss and how it impacts their life.
Reactions to the facts
Another problem grandparents may face is handling their own reaction to learning that their grandchild has a hearing loss. Some are shocked by the news, while others manage to take it in their stride. Grandparents will find it easier to cope if they can see that the parents are taking a positive attitude towards dealing with the hearing loss.
Usually the feeling of shock passes as soon as people understand that the problem is manageable and the outcome is likely to be positive. Grandparents can learn what they need to know by reading books on hearing loss and the solutions that are available.. Check out the resource list for grandparents and siblings, or visit our recommended reading section for more information.
