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About Hearing Aids for Children
Hearing sounds and words helps children learn to talk and understand. Children with hearing loss may have trouble developing speech, language, and social skills. They may have trouble learning in school and may have difficulty communicating with friends. There are many effects of hearing loss on development.
It is important to have your child’s hearing tested by an audiologist and get them help early. If needed, an audiologist can help find the best hearing aid(s) for your child. Your child may need a hearing aid in one or both ears.
Getting hearing aids early can help your child develop communication and social skills. Even babies and very young children can wear hearing aids. Your audiologist will talk to you about your child’s needs and help find the best hearing aid(s) to fit those needs. Not every hearing aid will work for every child.
There are different types of hearing aids. The behind-the-ear, or BTE, hearing aid is the most common for young children because
- it can attach to different earmold types,
- the earmold is easy to replace as your child grows,
- the earmold is easy to handle and clean,
- it works with many types of hearing loss, and
- the earmolds are soft and safe for small ears.
Other styles are more common for adults and older children.
Getting Your Child Used to Hearing Aids
Adjusting to wearing hearing aids can take time, especially for children. Your child may need assistance with putting on and keeping the hearing aids in place, as well as with making adjustments. A good way to start is by having your child wear the hearing aids during a fun activity. Gradually increase the duration they wear them until they can comfortably wear them all day.
Because hearing aids are small and can be easily misplaced, it’s important to use accessories that help secure them. Headbands and special tape can be useful for keeping the hearing aids in place. Your child’s audiologist might show you how to use hearing aid clips or pin the hearing aid to your child’s clothing. Additionally, the audiologist may recommend aural (re)habilitation services, hearing assistive technology systems, or community resources to help your child make the most of their hearing aids.
Taking Care of Your Child’s Hearing Aids
Your audiologist will guide you on how to use and care for the hearing aids. Some children may eventually be able to adjust and maintain their own hearing aids.
It’s important to regularly check your child’s hearing aids to ensure they are functioning properly. To keep them in good working condition, you should:
– Frequently check the batteries and always have spare or rechargeable batteries available in a safe place.
– Clean the hearing aids according to your audiologist’s instructions.
– Keep the hearing aids dry.
– Consult with your child’s audiologist about performing regular listening checks on the hearing aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
The major hearing styles are IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE, BTE, RIC. All of them are in wired and wireless options. Now a days there is also option of hearing aids with Rechargeable batteries.
The cost of a hearing aid or aids really depends on the type of device required as well as added features and necessary professional services. Because everyone’s hearing problem is different, the price range varies from person to person and their choices.
If you have hearing loss in both ears the answer is YES! Research shows if someone with hearing loss in both ears only wears one hearing aid, their unaided ear is at great risk for increased and sometimes rapid auditory deprivation.
Hearing aids typically last about 5-6 years. We say this because of the tremendous advancements in technology. Hearing aids can last longer as long as they are properly taken care of and still appropriate for your lifestyle needs.