Not all cases of hearing impairment are confined to the elderly and the disabled. Many children also suffer from hearing loss. Without proper care and treatment, hearing loss can stand in the way of their development.
The answer is hearing aids. Kids who begin to wear hearing aids early can limit many of the challenges associated with hearing impairment. Hearing aids for kids empower your child to develop vital social and communication skills.
It’s important to act quickly as a parent by getting in touch with an audiologist who can perform regular hearing tests. Don’t leave your child with a disadvantage in life by allowing their hearing loss to go untreated.
Let’s examine all the things you need to know about the best hearing aids for children.
Hearing aids for children are not a standardized product. It’s important to know not all hearing aids are suitable for all children.
With so many parents unsure of where to turn, this guide will help you get a set of kids’ hearing aids that support your child as they grow and develop.
Children need to be aware of their hearing loss. This includes not only understanding hearing impairment but being able to track and measure the extent of their hearing loss.
Teach your child about their hearing loss. Does their hearing loss fluctuate over time? Is it getting worse as they get older? The answers to questions like these will influence which are the best hearing aids for kids.
Hearing impairment comes in many forms, and every solution must be tailored with that fact in mind.
The only person who can offer hearing aids for kids is a professional, fully licensed audiologist. In the US, there are two main avenues.[AS1]
Most people will discuss their child’s hearing loss with their local NHS GP, who will then refer them to a specialist. This is the free option, but it’s important to be aware that waiting lists can be long, so it could take months to get a set of hearing aids.
On the other hand, you may decide to search for a private provider. Audiologists who work in the private sector can typically offer a faster solution, but it can be expensive.
[AS1]We need to make sure the EarPros content is applicable and relevant to the US.
When the time comes for your appointment, an audiologist will perform several tests to grasp the extent of your child’s hearing loss.
Children hearing aids need to be tailored to the child. Their hearing could be changing all the time, and this must be monitored and tracked.
For example, your child may have tinnitus, or they may only need a hearing aid for a single ear.
The best hearing aids for children are those that best meet their needs. Once an audiologist has a diagnosis, they will be able to make suggestions as to the right hearing aids for them.
What are the best hearing aids? Kids usually have less choice in their styles of hearing aid because their needs are different. Most audiologists prefer the Behind-the-Ear (BTE) style of hearing aid.
BTE hearing aids for children are preferred due to the following reasons:
These earmolds are safe and soft, which are perfect for smaller ears.
While In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aid styles are available to children, most audiologists advise against them until they are older.
There are several considerations when selecting hearing aids for younger people. Your audiologist will be able to guide you through the process. We also recommend reading plenty of hearing aid reviews before buying. Ultimately, though, the decision is yours to make.
Here are the main considerations for kids’ hearing aids:
How difficult is it to wear hearing aids? Kids and parents alike often worry about the lifestyle implications of wearing and adjusting to hearing aids.
Let’s examine how you can get your child used to wearing their hearing aids daily.
One of the most common misconceptions about hearing aids is they restore hearing. While hearing aid technology has advanced drastically over the last twenty years, hearing aids have never and will never restore hearing.
For this reason, get your child to wear their hearing aids for short periods at a time until they become used to wearing them for the whole day.
The sounds transmitted from their hearing aids may feel strange in the beginning, but they will get used to them over time.
The big challenge children face in the beginning is putting in their hearing aids and taking them out again. Also, adjustments can be difficult to handle for younger children, which is why it’s wise to teach them both manual adjustments and in-app adjustments if this is a feature.
The first few times they wear them, it’s better to focus on getting them used to what it feels like to wear hearing aids.
Take control and put them in and take them out again. Gradually show them how to adjust and how to care for their hearing aids.
Parents are often surprised at how easy hearing aids are to lose. To make hearing aids more comfortable and more portable, they have become smaller.
Children live active lifestyles, so their chances of losing or damaging their hearing aids are high. For this reason, headbands and special tape are available to keep their hearing aids in place.
Consider your child’s age and their day-to-day behaviors before deciding whether they need some extra help caring for their hearing aids.
As a rule, hearing aids are more effective in quieter listening environments. While they can perform in noisy environments, children may experience difficulties hearing what they want to hear in the beginning.
Experiment with different listening environments and make any adjustments. Parents need to work with their children to get the best results.
Even the best hearing aids for kids can take weeks and months to get used to wearing. The first model you try may not be the right model for your child. It’s why many hearing aid manufacturers have trial periods.
Attend every follow-up exam with your audiologist and note down any concerns or feedback your child has.
It may be a case of trying out a different earmold or making some minor adjustments to their setup. What’s important is that you engage with the professionals and take your child’s views into account.
Schools are becoming increasingly aware of children who suffer from hearing loss. It’s important to make your child’s school aware that they will be wearing a hearing aid and that they have some form of hearing impairment.
Some schools may have various equipment to support them in their learning. They may also be able to gain exclusions from certain activities that could be especially challenging for them.
To support your child’s development, you must speak to the important people in their lives and come up with a plan to suit them.
EarPros understands that raising children who have hearing loss is a challenge. Untreated hearing impairment can pose a serious problem to the social development of any young person, and this could have implications long into the future.
If your child has any form of hearing loss, seek help for them now. Hearing aid technology has improved, and manufacturers are increasingly releasing products aimed at the needs of children. Book your appointment with a licensed hearing specialist.
At EarPros, we can help you get the help you need. Contact EarPros now to schedule a free hearing test in your area.
