subject: What To Know About A Hearing Aid For Your Child [print this page] If you are looking for a hearing aid for your child, you will want to begin with testing, and research how these devices work, and what styles are appropriate for children. You will want to ask about warranties, trial periods, and how often your child may need to have a new device. These products are expensive, but they can make the difference in proper speech development in your child. Of course children will need to consistently use their device in order to benefit from it.
These devices can be used for children as young as four weeks old. Imagine the growth a child makes in physical development from birth to only a year. That growth happens in the child's ear as well, so your child will need the ear mold replaced often, with replacements lessening as the child grows older. At this stage, a behind the ear model is the most recommended option. This option allows for adjustments to be made easily, and parents can do hearing checks. This device is also easily cleaned and replaced thanks to a detachable ear mold.
However, getting your child to understand that they must wear the hearing aid is tricky. If your child has been using one since infancy, the process will likely be far easier. While children who have being using an aid since birth will likely transition without issue, an older child may the sounds filtered through the device different and frustrating. Even adults are warned previously to being fitted with an aid that sounds will no longer sound the same, and even the sound of your own voice will differ. Clearly, making the transition may take a little getting use to. Try having your child wear the device during a fun activity, then gradually increase the amount of time that they are required to wear it. Eventually the goal would be to have your child wearing it most of the time.
When trying to entice your child to accept the hearing aid, don't forget to look to your audiologist for inspiration and assistance. Sometimes children take instructions more seriously when a person other than their parents tell them, so be sure to ask them to instruct your child not to put the hearing aid on or take it off without help. Be sure to keep up on appointments, so adjustments and new ear molds can be made. It can be hard to watch your child struggle, but they will quickly adjust, and will certainly benefit from the sense of hearing their device affords them.
