Using hearing aids is a very huge adjustment that one must undergo to be able to enjoy the quality of a normal life. While wearing these devices seem difficult at first to all patients in general, it is all the more challenging for children.
Is your child wearing hearing aids? Here’s everything you need to know to help him or her get used to an improved sense of hearing.
1. Is the hearing aid benefiting my child?
Hearing loss can be detected as early as infancy. With this in mind, how would you guarantee that the hearing aid is helping your child considering that they are unable to respond verbally just yet? How would you know if the sound isn’t too loud or too soft? How would you know if they are wearing them comfortably?
Answer: If the patient is unable to respond, pay close attention to his or her actions and behaviour. If your child is giving out limited to no responses to your signals, you may need to have the device adjusted.
2. How do I keep the devices on them?
We all know how kids tend to be very naughty, active, and energetic. They would jump around, go on all fours, and even spin in circles. This can pose a risk of dropping the hearing aids to the ground or even worse, getting lost. Having them stay put even for a short while is already a feat on your part.
Answer: You can ask your hearing professional about some accessories that your child may wear to keep the hearing aids intact. Some suggestions may include using a clip or a hat, or getting an insurance to protect your device from possible breakage or loss.
3. How do I encourage my child to wear them?
Hearing aids will now be an essential part of your child’s daily life. It takes a lot of getting used to, but it’s necessary in order to ensure achievement of one’s full potential.
Answer: Establish a routine in the morning that will eventually develop the habit of having to wear hearing aids as soon as one wakes up. Also, remind them to remove it before bed time.
Tips on How To Help Your Child With Hearing Aids
Here are some more tips on how you can help your children cope up with this huge advancement in their lives. Pens out!
1. Take it easy.
As this is all new to your child, difficulties adjusting are but normal. Don’t rush or pressure your child to cope up easily. Let them go about it at their own pace. If they ask whether they can remove it even just for a few minutes, let them.
2. Start short.
Don’t pressure your child to wear his or her hearing aids for an entire day. That can be very tiring for someone who’s just starting to get comfortable with the device. Instead, the best that you can do is to understand and let them ease their way into it. Go from an hour to two, then maybe make it two hours and a half. Continue doing this until they can manage to go for an entire day.
3. Reassure them.
There may come a point in their lives that they would begin to question why they are wearing hearing aids while their friends and classmates are not. Explain the situation to them in a nice way and end it with a reassurance that everything is alright—it’s okay to be different and there’s nothing to be ashamed of it.
4. Introduce them to people with the same condition.
As they grow up, let them mingle with people who also use hearing aids. Being around friends who are experiencing the same situation still provides a different level of comfort. Bring them to groups that will make them feel welcomed and included. This will also give them the opportunity to hear stories and tips on how to better handle their hearing loss.
Ultimately, be the best support system that your child needs. Understanding is key to helping them adjust and cope with their situation. Also, never forget to give them their daily dose of encouragement. It’s not easy what they’re going through, but getting comfortable with hearings aids is the first step to a better future.
For more information about children wearing hearing aids, contact The Listening Lab at +68175100 or visit any of our branches in Singapore.
About The Listening Lab
Listening Lab is a home-grown company whose mission is to help our clients restore their hearing to enjoy the life that they desire. Experiencing hearing loss can be detrimental to one’s quality of life. Hence we commit to providing high-quality hearing solutions.
Our hearing solutions include hearing tests and treatment and prescribing hearing aids. Clients may come to get their hearing checked, and we will assess whether hearing aids are required.
If hearing aids are required, clients can choose from a variety of the best hearing aid brands we provide. Each of the products offers unique features that complement daily use and perform well in helping our clients enjoy the life that they desire.
