Sometimes parents just do not know where to begin once their child has been diagnosed as deaf or hearing impaired. This booklet helps answer some of the questions these parents might have. A resource section has been included for parents and professionals for future reference. One of the most important things to remember is that, once a child has been diagnosed, it is extremely important to have the child evaluated in order to determine the proper amplification that he or she will need and to get services in place so that the child can start using the hearing that they may have. This is extremely important for language development to take place. This guide provides information on: early screening guidelines; developmental milestones; getting the diagnosis; types of hearing loss; programs and services; degrees of hearing loss; amplification devices; language and communication options; education; advocating for your child. [Information researched and compiled by Kim Dennison July 2009. This guide was originally published in 2011. For the 2019 revision, see ED601078.]