Caring for young children, whether you’re making their breakfast, tucking them in at night or, in this case, helping them at their first hearing test, can be a fast-paced and often hectic experience. When you’re constantly on the move, having a simple plan makes all the difference.
If your child’s about to have their first hearing test, let’s look at a few ways you can help them understand what to expect and stay calm throughout the process.
Setting Expectations
Walking your child through the process of a hearing test and ear exam will help demystify the process. Use age-appropriate language, but be clear about the process. Here’s an example:
- You’ll sit in a room with your doctor, and they’ll look inside both your ears with a small lighted tool (called an otoscope)
- After they look at your ears, they’ll have you wear a pair of headphones
- You’ll listen to sounds through the headphones and press a button when you hear a noise
You can adjust the language to your child’s age and decide whether to walk them through the idea of hearing aids. If they’re old enough and show signs of hearing loss, you may want to discuss the possibility. You know your child best, so tailor the conversation to their needs specifically.
Addressing Questions
If your child expresses concern or has questions about the process, answer them honestly. Emphasize that the test is simple and won’t hurt one bit.
After the Test
If your child has hearing loss, we’ll walk you through their different treatment options. Your child might be nervous about the prospect of wearing hearing aids, but our experts will clearly and empathetically explain their benefits and the ins and outs of wearing them to help your child understand.
Planning a Treat
Having a small treat to look forward to after their hearing test will help your child get excited about the experience. You could take a trip to Kilwins Ice Cream, go to the playground or even have a fun movie night at home.
For more information on pediatric hearing testing, contact Advanced Hearing today.