Starting school is an exciting and maybe a little nerve-wracking part of a kid’s life. If your child is wearing new hearing aids, the first day back at school might seem especially daunting. Let’s look at a few ways you can set them up for success.
1. Contact the School
Your child’s school should have procedures in place to support children with hearing loss. Their accommodations may include things like classroom aides, sign language interpreters, extra learning time, voice-to-text machines, loop systems or written communication.
In addition to arranging accommodations, you should speak directly with their teacher. Let their teacher know how your child learns best and ask them to use effective communication, such as facing the class while speaking or rephrasing, rather than yelling, when your child doesn’t understand something.
2. Discuss Hearing Loss Openly
If your child is new to hearing aids, they may feel a little hesitant about wearing them in front of their peers; that’s completely normal. Kids are often worried about the things that make them different. Finding ways to celebrate and destigmatize your child’s hearing loss can go a long way in improving their confidence.
Answer your child’s questions openly and hold space for their feelings. Don’t tell them they shouldn’t be upset or angry; acknowledge that those feelings are real and that you’re there to help. You can also increase their confidence by setting up playdates with their close friends after they get their devices, reading books featuring kids with hearing aids or even joining hearing loss groups around Cartersville.
An estimated 13% of people ages 12 and older in the U.S. have hearing loss in both ears.[1] Spending time with other kids with hearing loss, and talking openly about the condition, will remind your child that they’re not alone in their experience.
3. Teach Your Child To Care for Their Hearing Aids
Knowing their hearing aids inside and out will help your child feel comfortable in their devices. Teach them how to clean their devices, charge or change the batteries and insert them properly.
4. Pack their Hearing Aid Kit
Pack a cleaning kit, charger or extra batteries and any other hearing aid accessories your child uses regularly in their backpack. With all the supplies they need at their fingertips, your child won’t have to worry about malfunctioning devices interrupting their school day.
If you have any questions about proper hearing aid care, or you want your child to talk directly to their hearing specialist, contact Advanced Hearing today.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing