One strategy that families may find helpful is to have family meetings to discuss concerns and issues. At these meetings, the parents can answer questions, open discussions on topics they feel the other children need to understand, and reflect on the children’s feelings. It is important to validate the feelings expressed by the children and help them understand why these feelings are valid and what they can do to react positively to their feelings.

Older children may be able to offer solutions and become more accepting of their brother or sister who has a hearing loss when they can lead discussions and provide information and solutions to problems. When the child with the hearing loss is old enough to participate, it may be beneficial to include the child in family meetings as well.

Another strategy that may be found helpful is to invite friends of the siblings over to the house to play with the children and meet the child who is hearing impaired. At such times, an open attitude is the best way to demonstrate that this family accepts the child with the hearing loss. Additionally, the friend may be able to ask questions and become more educated himself. This would lead to a greater acceptance of the child with the hearing loss.