Unilateral hearing loss: possibilities for K and beyond

[Anonymous]

OP here: as an update, we contacted River School, which told us that they only take kids with amplification. The jury is still out about the efficacy of cochlear implants for unilateral hearing loss but even if we were to go that route, it involves some consideration, planning, invasive surgery and some therapy. Meanwhile, DS has been admitted to a private immersion program. While we are open to immersion it is not clear whether public or private (with possible small class sizes) is best for him. Moreover, it is not clear whether private schools are equipped to handle these cases, other than River.

[Anonymous]

OP have you looked into the CROS hearing aid? My child has unilateral hearing loss and was told that she was NOT a candidate for a cochlear implant. We don't have the CROS yet but may go that route. It is basically a microphone on the bad ear which then transmits sound to a receiver in the good ear (sort of a hearing aid-type device). It doesn't solve the problem of localization but it certainly helps your child hear on his/her "bad" side.

[Anonymous]

OP here. DS has been admitted to the River School and we got our first choice in the DCPS lottery (Eaton). The small class sizes, SLPs in every classroom and specialized instruction in River sounds very appropriate. But the expense and the commute are big considerations that we must weigh in choosing River. The other option is to go with DCPS and hope that he gets an IEP if needed. We are in the process of considering medical interventions as well.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations! Thanks for letting us know. It is so nice to know that you pursued River because of DCUM, and it worked.

[Anonymous]

We have our LO with hearing loss starting River. I can't think of a better place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have our LO with hearing loss starting River. I can't think of a better place.

(same poster) I will also add that the commute is far from ideal, but for us it's worth it. We have a bilateral loss though.