YOUR CHILD'S HEARING LOSS: What Parents Need to Know

This easy-to-understand memoir/resource guide will be extremely valuable to parents of children who've been diagnosed with hearing loss, both for its technical information as well as its emotional support. Freelance writer Waldman tells of her initial shock when her daughter was diagnosed with hearing problems at age three. These passages are nicely balanced by the more nitty-gritty sections by audiologist Roush. Seeking to "provide information at a level that is informative to parents without being unnecessarily detailed or technical," the authors interweave lessons on ear health with personal stories, such as the one in which Waldman admits that she feels guilty for not realizing her daughter was hard of hearing. The book provides a concise guide to the medical specialists parents in Waldman's situation should consult, and what each one does. Because her daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss, not complete deafness, Waldman doesn't have much to say about learning and using sign language. Instead, she focuses on the benefits of hearing aids, with practical advice on cleaning them, replacing batteries and concealing them with long hair. The most touching chapter gives suggestions on how to deal with teachers, other parents and cruel adolescents. This book isn't intended for parents of completely deaf children, but for those whose children suffer from hearing loss, it's a godsend. (Mar.)