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My Baby has been Identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing
You may have questions and many different feelings after your child is identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). Now is the time to learn and find support for your next steps.
Don’t Delay, Start Now!
Babies who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should begin intervention services right away to reach their full potential.
A Parent Checklist is available to guide you along this process. Click and print this Parent Checklist.
Parent Checklist
✔Medical Team
Discuss the test results with your child's pediatrician. Request a referral to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor and a Pediatric Audiologist to learn more about your child's hearing level and evaluate your options.
✔Educational Team (Early On®)
Enroll your child in Early Intervention. Early intervention includes family-centered services and supports for your child. The goal of early intervention is to help children reach their full potential. Early On® is the name of Michigan's system for helping families of infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities.
- If your baby is between birth and 3 years old, contact Early On®. 1-800-Early On (1-800-327-5966) or visit, Early On
- If your child is between 3 and 5 years old, contact Build Up Michigan. 1-888-320-8384 or visit www.buildupmi.org.
- If your child is over 5 years old, contact your local intermediate school district.
8 Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention for your child who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing(D/HH)
✔Family Support: Guide By Your Side
Connect and receive support from a trained parent who also has a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Speak with adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing about their lived experiences. Visit Michigan Hands & Voices to learn more!
✔Insurance
Consider if your child needs additional insurance. Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) can help cover future diagnostic testing, transportation, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. CSHCS can serve families with commercial insurance, Medicaid, and families without insurance. Call 800-359-3722 or visit the website at CSHCS to learn more.
✔Additional Considerations
Work with your medical and educational teams to explore additional considerations: language and communication options, vision screening, and/or genetic testing.