Preparing for your Child’s Doctor Appointments

When your child is Deaf or hard of hearing, you may find yourself meeting with several different professionals. It can be overwhelming to keep track of information, schedule around work and school, and maintain life balance.

This page will help you:

Get organized for doctor appointments and visits with professionals.
Know what to expect before, during, and after the appointment.
Advocate for your child’s needs.
Use tools and resources to help navigate appointments.

Deaf girl with Mom and doctor

Start with a Health Care Binder or Notebook

A simple binder, notebook, or folder can help you keep everything in one place. This makes it easier to prepare, stay calm during appointments, and find information later.

You could include:

A list of questions for the professional.
Your own notes and observations about your child’s hearing, language use, balance, behavior, or other concerns.
Notes from appointments to help you remember treatments, recommendations, or follow-up steps.
Contact information for all your child’s providers.
A summary of your child’s medical history, such as audiograms, surgeries, medications, and diagnoses.
Discharge papers from hospital stays.
Release forms to allow information sharing between medical and school providers.
A copy of your child’s IFSP, IEP, or 504 Plan if they receive services.
Early Intervention records if your child was enrolled before age three.
Health insurance details and any documents you need to get care covered.

Before the Appointment

If seeking a specialist, ask your child’s primary doctor if a referral is required for the specialist you want to see. Many insurance plans require a referral for coverage—and having one can speed up how soon your child is seen. Make sure the referral is sent to both the specialist and your insurance provider, if needed.

When you schedule the appointment, ask:

What usually happens at the first visit?
How long will the appointment last?
Will any tests be done that day?

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare yourself and your child.

If your schedule is flexible, ask to be put on a cancellation list—you may get in sooner if another family cancels.

Put the date, time, and location on a calendar as soon as possible, and inform anyone who should be aware, such as a spouse. By doing this, another member of the family will not double book the same time.

Each kind of professional focuses on different things. You may want to read about what this kind of professional does in advance, so you can ask good questions. This guide has a list of Professional Team Members, which may be a good starting point.

Consider bringing a Support Person (and a Notebook). Having another adult with you can help a lot. They can focus on writing things down while you focus on your child and the conversation.

Prepare Your Child

Bring diapers, snacks, toys, and anything comforting. If the appointment is during your toddler’s typical nap time, consider encouraging a nap beforehand.

They may feel nervous. Explain in advance what to expect. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has resources like books and videos to help prepare them. They may want to bring a book, music, or a game to help pass any wait time.

You might think you will remember, but it is easy to forget in the moment.

Try a notes app on your phone, or use the free Agency for Health Care Research and Quality’s free Question Builder app.

During the Appointment

Appointments move quickly. You may first speak with a nurse, resident, or physician assistant before the doctor or professional comes in.

Have a written summary of your child’s medical history, medications, and current concerns. This can speed up the first part of the visit.

Listen carefully and ask questions. If something is not clear, pause and ask for clarification.

Some doctors may use medical language that is hard to follow—especially when talking about hearing or ears. It is okay to say, “Can you explain that in a different way?”

What are the next steps?
Do we need more tests?
When should we come back?
Do we need new prescriptions?
Is anything still undecided?
Should I look for any changes with my child when getting home?

Know How to Reach Your Doctor

Before you leave, make sure you know how to contact the care team.

Every clinic is different. Some use online patient portals, while others prefer phone calls or voicemail. Be sure to ask:

What is the best way to reach you for quick questions?
What happens if I need help after hours or on weekends?
Who will respond when I call—a nurse, the doctor, or someone else?
How long should I expect to wait for a reply?
If I do not hear back, when should I call again?

If you are using a patient portal, ask:

Will the doctor be replying directly?
What is the usual response time?
If I do not get an answer, should I call instead?

Write down or save the contact info in your phone so it is easy to find when you need it.

After the Appointment

After a long doctor’s visit, both you and your child may be tired. Some families find it helpful to plan something fun afterward—a favorite treat, time at the park, or a quiet activity at home. You both worked hard and deserve it!

Final Thoughts for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Families

If your child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

Let the clinic know ahead of time if you need sign language interpreters, real-time captioning, or other communication supports. Requesting this early helps ensure services are ready when you arrive.
Bring your child’s hearing devices, like hearing aids or cochlear implants—and any accessories like batteries, chargers, or remote mics. These are especially important for appointments that rely on listening or following instructions.
Ask for visual aids or written materials when needed. Some kids benefit from drawings, charts, or printed instructions they can take home.
Speak up about your child’s communication style. Not every provider knows how to work with D/HH children. Share what works best—whether that is slowing down, facing your child when speaking, using gestures, or taking breaks to check for understanding.
Help your child feel seen and involved. Encourage professionals to talk directly to your child, not just about them. This builds confidence and respect, even at a young age.
Teach your child to speak up for themselves when ready. If they can say, “I didn’t hear you,” “Can you face me?” or “Can you write that down?” those are powerful steps toward independence.
You are the expert on your child. Your insight matters. Do not be afraid to ask questions, ask for repeat explanations, or say what you notice at home.
You are doing great. It is not always easy, and every appointment is a chance to build stronger support for your child’s growth and well-being.