Issues in the therapy of hearing children with deaf parents

The psychiatric literature on deaf children is sparse. Even less attention has been paid to the more common situation of the hearing child raised by deaf parents. Such a child is deprived of the parents' hearing and often the parents' speech. The oldest hearing child in the family often takes on the role of family interpreter which may be a source of both pride and resentment. This can contribute to role reversal leading to a frustration of the child's dependency needs and bitter sibling rivalry. Other problems may result from the parents' ambivalence towards their child. The available literature is surveyed and case illustrations are provided. Suggestions to therapists working with similar families are made.