Organizational Resources
American Cochlear Implant Alliance
This non-profit organization aims to eliminate barriers to cochlear implantation through supporting research, raising awareness, and advocating for better access to cochlear implants to patients with hearing loss of all ages in the United States.
Contact Information
ACI Alliance
P.O. Box 103
McLean, VA 22101-0103
703-534-6146 (Voice)
http://www.acialliance.org
info@acialliance.org
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
This organization serves as an information provider on hearing loss, specializing in the use of technology, speech, speechreading, residual hearing, and written and spoken language. AG Bell primarily serves children with hearing loss, and operates as a support and advocacy system for all individuals associated with the child (family members, educators, etc.).
Contact Information
Alexander Graham Bell Association
3417 Volta Place, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-337-5220 (Voice)
202-337-5221 (TTY)
http://nc.agbell.org
info@agbell.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Effects of Hearing Loss on Development
This is a national resource that discusses the different possible effects hearing loss may have on the child’s development. The resource goes into detail about the four major areas that hearing loss may affect: communication, academic performance, social interactions, and vocational choices.
http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Effects-of-Hearing-Loss-on-Development/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hearing Loss in Children
This is a national resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a great site that provides an overall comprehensive view of hearing loss. It provides information on screening/diagnosis, treatments, and research. It is a great starting point for parents.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/index.html
Hearing Loss Association of America
Parent to Parent- Resources for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
This is a resource from Hearing Loss Association of America. It is a site for parents to post questions and share information with other parents. It is an excellent resource for new parents and experienced parents to gain support and information.
Virginia Department of Health
This is a PDF document published by the state of Virginia Department of Health for parents of children with hearing loss. It is relatively short and covers many areas of information including amplification, communication choices, degrees of hearing loss, and the possible effects of hearing loss in children. Also, it includes a glossary of terms, which I imagine would be helpful for any family of a newly diagnosed child.
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ofhs/childandfamily/childhealth/hearing/documents/2012/audiologistsInformation/pdf/resourceguide.pdf