By Alison Morrison
This article is a part of the November/December 2023, Volume 35, Number 6, Audiology Today issue.
Alison Morrison: Alright, Sherri, now tell me, What is a parent navigator?
Sherri Nighbert: Great question! A parent navigator is an advocate and support person who helps parents of children with newly diagnosed hearing loss understand the diagnosis, decisions, appointments, resources, and all kinds of information related to the new diagnosis. We provide emotional support to the family but also build upon their skills and guide them to what is next. Receiving a diagnosis of hearing loss can be very overwhelming for families. Many parents have never met a child with hearing loss or know of any other parents who might be going through the same diagnosis. They are often completely caught off guard when receiving this news and can feel lost with all of the information they receive.
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