The aim of this article is to provide the reader with an understanding of the physiology of hearing and how different types of deafness can impact on the child and family. It is also intended that the nurse will be aware of the resources available to assist hearing-impaired children and their families while they are in hospital or attending clinics. This article has been written with the intention of heightening deaf awareness and of suggesting how deaf awareness can be raised in a hospital setting. Issues that should be considered are communication, care of aids to hearing and screening methods.