Books

These books all provide excellent overviews of issues related to deafness. They focus on providing general information on hearing loss and Deaf culture. Most are not specifically written for parents, but they all provide relevant information parents can use and many do address family issues.

 
A Journey Into the DEAF-WORLD

Lane, H.L., Hoffmeister, R., & Bahan, B. (1996). A journey into the DEAF-WORLD. San Diego, CA: Dawn Sign Press.

Davis Library HV 2380 .L27

            This book establishes a strong historical background of deafness and the Deaf culture. It focuses mainly on deafness and Deaf culture in the United States, but also discusses deafness around the world. It provides historical background, the status of the current situation, and a look into the future. The authors explore topics such as Deaf culture, American Sign Language, family issues (hearing parents with deaf children), education, language and literacy, deafness as a disability, and the view of the hearing world that deafness is a disability.

Oxford Handbook of Deaf Studies, Language, and Education

Marschark, M., & Spencer, P.E. (Ed.). (2003). Oxford handbook of deaf studies, language, and education. New York: Oxford University Press.

Davis Library HV 2380 .O88

            This handbook examines many issues associated with deafness, and includes the following sections: education, literacy, language and language development, signed languages, hearing and speech perception, cognition, and cultural, social, and psychological issues. Each section is further subdividing into specific aspects relating to the topic.

Moore, M.S., & Levitan, L. (1993). For hearing people only: Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the deaf community, its culture, and the “Deaf Reality.” Rochester, NY: MSM Productions, Ltd.

Davis Library HV 2545 .M66

            As stated in the title, this book answers commonly asked questions about deafness. Each “chapter” addresses one question. It covers topics such as etiology, genetics, hearing aids, politically correct terms, speech ability, American Sign Language, and the relations between the Deaf community and hearing world, among various other issues.

Scheetz, N.A. (2001). Orientation to deafness. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Davis Library HV 2380 .S33

            This book covers a wide range of topics relating to deafness. The chapter on myths and misconceptions might be especially helpful to parents. Information includes the basics on anatomy of the ear and how hearing works to the psychological aspects of deafness, such as social and cultural development. The book also examines family issues, education, communication, and hearing aid technology, among others.

Psychological, Social, and Educational Dimensions of Deafness

Schirmer, B.R. (2001). Psychological, social, and educational dimensions of deafness. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Davis Library HV 2551 .S35

            This book looks at the many dimensions of deafness. It is divided into sections, each of which explores a given topic in detail. General categories include hearing loss in general, parents and families, cognition, personal and social development, mental health, education, occupation, assessment, and language, communication, and culture.

Choices in Deafneses: A Parents' Guide to Communication Options

Schwartz, S. (Ed.). (1996). Choices in deafness: A parents’ guide to communication options. Bethesda, MD; Woodbine House, Inc.

Chapel Hill Public Library         362.4208 Cho

            This book examines five of the most common communication methods of people who are deaf. Each section provides an introduction to the method of communication and stories of people who use the method. This book also provides helpful introductory information on hearing loss, information of manual communication methods, recommended readings, and lists of organizations for deaf or hard-of-hearing people.

Turkington, C., & Sussman, A.E. (2000). Living with hearing loss: The sourcebook for deafness and hearing disorders. New York: Checkmark Books.

Chapel Hill Public Library         617.8 Tur

            The chapter on childhood deafness covers many facets of hearing loss as it relates to children. The chapter discusses pre- and peri-natal cause of deafness, acquired hearing loss, ototoxic drugs, hereditary, and hearing tests for infants and young children.

Hear What You've Been Missing: How to Cope with Hearing Loss

Wayner, D.S. (1998). Hear what you’ve been missing: How to cope with hearing loss. Minneapolis, MN: Chronimed Publishing.

Chapel Hill Public Library         617.89 Way

            Set up in a question and answer format, this book is a fantastic source for answers to specific questions on a wide range of topics related to hearing loss. Chapters deal with general hearing loss, causes of hearing loss, treatment options, hearing aids, forms of assistance other than hearing aids, and miscellaneous questions related to hearing loss. There are many helpful illustrations and diagrams. The appendices at the end are also helpful sources of information, as they include a glossary, additional recommended readings, a list of suppliers of assistive listening devices, and a 5 minute hearing test.