#292: What Parents Need to Know About Hearing Loss in Children with Dr. Michelle Hu

When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, parents are often flooded with questions, fears, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Elana welcomes pediatric audiologist and DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) advocate, Dr. Michelle Hu, to share both her personal and professional experience in the DHH world. Born with progressive hearing loss, Michelle shares what it was like growing up with hearing aids, her journey into audiology, and how she now supports parents facing the same diagnosis with their own children.   Dr. Michelle breaks down what DHH really means, clarifies misconceptions, and offers guidance for how hearing parents can raise strong, confident DHH children. This conversation also highlights the importance of language access, how to advocate for your child, and what support systems can look like.   Whether you’re part of the DHH community or simply want to be a more inclusive and informed parent, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Covered in This Episode What DHH means and the range of hearing loss How to support parents and children after a hearing loss diagnosis Common misconceptions and what not to say to DHH families How Dr. Michelle's own hearing journey shaped her motherhood and career Tools, technology, and communication strategies for DHH families Show Notes:   Follow Dr. Hu on Instagram   Visit Dr. Hu’s webiste Learn about Dr. Hu’s courses here To read more of Dr. Hu’s articles click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.www.mamahuhears.com     Read Transcription of the episode here Use this code DOCTORMOM10 to receive 10% off of products on Dr. Hu’s website Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Michelle Hu has been a pediatric audiologist for over 13 years working specifically with the diagnosis, hearing amplification, cochlear implant evaluation, programming and aural rehabilitation. Something unique about her is that she grew up hard of hearing herself. She was fit with hearing aids at 3 years and now utilizes bilateral cochlear implants. Her personal experience lends to her uncanny ability to relate and be a role model for others with hearing loss and source of strength and hope for parents of children with hearing loss. She is the founder of Mama Hu Hears, a space for DHH individuals and their families. She shares both personal and professional information to help raise DHH awareness, empower hearing parents raise strong and confident DHH children and improve advocacy skills. You can find her most active on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mama.hu.hears/, on Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/mamahuhears or website: www.mamahuhears.com This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by using code DOCTORMOM at checkout or head to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM100 for $100 off your first 3 months of Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.