Children who are born with hearing loss or develop it early on have never experienced normal noise levels. This is why they are often resistant to hearing aids since silence is their “normal,” and they find it sounds strange or uncomfortable. Furthermore, the sensation of hearing aids can be physically irritating, and they try to remove them as soon as they can. As a parent, it’s difficult to watch your child in discomfort, but it’s even tougher when you have to convince them to do something they are uncomfortable doing. Hearing aids amplify sound, and children who have hearing loss are used to a quieter environment, which is why it is important to invest in hearing aids that reduce background sounds.
Tips to Help Your Child Keep Their Hearing Aids On
Children, especially toddlers, can get so overwhelmed or frustrated with their hearing aids that they can smash and break them. The obvious solution would be to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for your child, especially if your insurance does not cover it. However, the FDA has made it clear that OTC hearing aids are only meant for adults. The good news is that Costco does carry a prescription hearing aid, so you can talk to your child’s audiologist to find out if this is an option. This expert analysis of Costco hearing aids covers the pros and cons of their hearing aids as well as other alternatives. Make sure that the hearing aids you choose for your child cater specifically to your child’s individual hearing needs. Here are a few ways to help your child keep their hearing aids on:
Start Slow
It’s important that your child has a positive association with their hearing aids and not negative, so start slow. Let your child wear their device for just a few minutes at different times during the day, as this will give them the chance to adjust to sound.
It’s best to do this indoors, where you can control the sounds they hear. While you might be tempted to take them outdoors to enjoy the sounds of nature, there can be other background sounds that will cause them to feel overwhelmed. You can also try to persuade your child to wear their hearing aid when it’s switched off so that they get used to the sensation.
Create a Routine
Consistency is key to helping your child get used to their hearing aids. Create a daily routine so that they think of it as a part of their normal everyday routine – similar to getting dressed or putting on their shoes. When they are not using their hearing aid, keep it nearby so that it becomes a part of their everyday background so that they get used to seeing them.
Make “hearing aid time” Fun
When you first introduce your little one to hearing aids, have fun hearing activities like singing together or reading a book of their choice. These activities will help your child associate hearing with fun, which will make them want to keep them on.
Be patient
As a parent, you only want the best for your child, and it can be frustrating to see your child repeatedly take out their hearing aids. When you start to get overwhelmed, stop for a while and then try again later.
This is even more important if your child has progressive hearing loss and was able to hear before. Hearing loss often leads to feelings of isolation both in adults and kids, so it’s important that your child can count on you to be calm and supportive.
Offer Plenty of Positive Reinforcement
Praise your child for not removing their hearing aids, especially in the early stages where it’s a challenge for them to adjust. This reinforces a positive association with their devices, so they will be less likely to try to remove them.
Use a Retention Accessory
If your child has a strong reaction to the hearing aids, you may need to use a retention accessory to prevent them from taking out their device. If they have rejected their hearing aid, you can give them a hearing aid headband or a “pilot hat” that is meant to keep a hearing aid in place. For the first few days or weeks, use only the headband so that they get used to it and only once they are comfortable, you can put the hearing aid in as well.
Personalize the hearing aid
Allow your child to decorate their hearing aid with their favorite stickers. This is a simple but effective way to help them connect with the devices and see them as a personal belonging. You can help them change the stickers whenever they like and turn it into a small fun activity where they pick out the new stickers.