5 Tips to Assist a Child With Hearing Loss

There are some additional obstacles for children who have hearing loss. These issues do not need to inhibit their communication and learning abilities. Getting the proper help and services will allow children to acquire the same skills and attain the same achievements as their peers.     

Here are some things you can do to help these kids:

1. Get Treatment as soon as Possible

Early intervention and treatment are vital for children who have hearing loss.

An infant’s brain rapidly develops, so it’s crucial to stimulate these sound pathways as soon as possible. Children who encounter sounds at an early age are more prone to develop in learning at the same rate as other kids who are their age. 

It is never too early to seek treatment. Children who have profound hearing loss, and get help for their hearing can catch up with their peers by age 5 or 6 if they get hearing aids by the time they are 1-year-old or 2-years-old.  

2. Use Services that Provide Early Intervention

Approximately 95% of parents whose children have hearing loss do not suffer from any hearing impairment. There is so much information that needs to be studied in regard to how their child lives with hearing loss and how to get treatment. An early intervention program can help you organize the assistance that your child needs. Infants who have hearing loss should have one as quickly as possible.

A program should be available at your local public school or hospital. Early intervention can give your family the support that is needed and recommend methods to help your child stay on track when learning language and speech.   

3. Find Your Own Support System

Help yourself, so that you can help your child. 

Managing and dealing with a loved one’s hearing loss is overwhelming, so it would be wise to get some support. Counseling or support groups can be helpful. You can connect with others who have a family member with hearing loss. Online communities or organizations in your neighborhood are readily available. The Alexander Graham Bell Association lists chapters on its website while providing meet-ups and conferences for families.  

4. Listen to New Sounds with Your Child

Discovering new sounds and speech at a young age can help your child grasp language. Here are some easy ways to incorporate them into your day with them.

• Talk about what you are doing at the moment.  A couple of examples would be, “We are grocery shopping”, or “We are going for a walk in the park.” 
• Sing songs together.
• Read to your child. Give a description of the pictures as you read. As the child gets older, engage with them by asking them to point to the image as you say them. You can also ask them to identify the image.  
• Play games. Games that allow a baby to imitate what you do are helpful. Itsy bitsy spider, peekaboo, or pat-a-cake will instruct your child on how to take turns when they speak to others.   

  
5. Advocate for Your Child

You would know what is best for your child. If there is anything in your plan that is not working, tell your care team. They will work with you to meet the goals that were set. If they are not meeting your standards, find a specialist who will.

Becoming involved in your child’s hearing healthcare is necessary to help your child succeed in school, in their life, and in their future.  Fight for their needs and ask questions throughout the process.

If you have a child who suffers from hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. 

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