Except for the typical line from a doctor about how a deaf child would not read above third grade level, I enjoyed this article about two sisters with Usher Syndrome.  The parents chose not to use sign language, focused on hearing aids, and later implanted their daughters. Now young adults, both girls are doing quite well.

The study was done with rats, but has implications for humans. It is not yet known if a "lazy ear" can be treated the same way a "lazy eye" is. (Anyone remember the eye patch episode in Peanuts?) It is possible the brain can re-wire itself to hear properly. As with any study, there are unknowns. However, if further study shows that there is definitely such a risk with childhood ear infections, this could increase the pressure on parents and doctors to treat the infections - and risk overuse of antibiotics.