(myth) "Parents are poor judges of their child's hearing."
(truth) Family members are most often the first to suspect a problem.
(myth) "A child's hearing can not be tested until he is 2 years old."
(truth) Your child's hearing can be tested at any age - even at birth.
(myth) "This baby responds to a hand clap, so the hearing is fine."
(truth) Many hearing-impaired children can hear sharp, explosive sounds. Others respond because they feel the vibration, puffs of air, or see the sound being made.
(myth) "Nothing can be done to help hearing-impaired children until they are school age."
(truth) The first years of a child's life are the most important for language development. Programs for hearing-impaired children are most effective when started immediately.
(myth) "There's only one way to educate a hearing-impaired child."
(truth) There are several methods for communicating with and educating hearing-impaired children. Sign language, Cued Speech and the Oral method are communication approaches. It is not agreed which approach is best.
(myth) "Parents are in no position to make decisions for their children."
(truth) Parents do make decisions about their children. Emotional support, information, choice, and involvement make the difference.