Choices in Deafness: A Parents' Guide to Communication Options

Choices in Deafness, since 1987 the preeminent guide to communication options, is extensively revised and expanded to provide the complete scope of information parents of children with deafness or hearing loss need. From assessment and diagnosis to medical/audiological treatments, and from cochlear implants and procedures to education and technology devices, this third edition presents a balance of research, guidance, and insight from experts and families. Seven new chapters and a collection of audio files cover:

• Universal Newborn Screening (implemented in 38 states, this required screening detects hearing loss much earlier, and has doubled the number of children found to have hearing loss)
• Auditory Neuropathy (a cause of hearing loss where the timing of sound is seriously disrupted, and which has only recently been understood)
• Genetic Causes of Deafness (describes genetic testing and counseling in light of research that shows over 60% of deafness in children is due to genetic or hereditary causes)
• The Transformation of Dreams (explores a shift in emotional outlook experienced by a parent/clinical psychologist upon learning her child is deaf)
• Identifying a Program of Excellence (what to look for in an education program for your child in addition to the chosen communication option)
• Communication Technology (services and devices that let deaf people communicate via phone, cell phone, Internet, video)
• Making It in College (personal accounts of four students about how they communicate and socialize at college)
• What Hearing Loss Sounds Like (a sampling of audio files that simulate what speech sounds like when hearing loss impacts pitch, loudness, and timing.
  Link to these files at http://www.woodbinehouse.com/CID_audio.asp

As in the previous edition, Choices in Deafness presents five unbiased approaches to communication--Auditory-Verbal, ASL-English Bilingual, Cued Speech, Auditory-Oral, and Total Communication--and provides parents' first-person accounts of what it's like to use a specific method. Reading and resource lists round out this essential guide for parents.