What are Some Tips for Parents and Guardians of Children with Hearing Loss?

If your child or grandchild has hearing loss, it’s important to know that everyone’s situation will be different. As soon as you find out that the child is experiencing problems with hearing loss, intervene immediately. Observe the issues they are having, follow up with their healthcare provider, and adjust any changes that need to be made. There is a network of support for you and your child/grandchild.  

Children’s Hearing Loss Treatments and Interventions

1. Consult with a professional (or a network of people in the field) who can facilitate better communication between the child and their family.

2. Get hearing devices, like hearing aids or an assistive listening device. 

3. Find and join a support group.

4. Use resources that are available for children with hearing loss and their families.

Seek Professional Help Immediately and Enroll in Special Education 

Intervention

This can start from 0-3 years of age. Hearing loss can negatively impact a developing child’s acquisition of speech, language, and social skills. A child with hearing problems must receive services as early as possible so that they can reach their full potential. 

Studies have shown that early intervention programs help young children with hearing loss learn language and other crucial skills. These programs can significantly improve a child’s progress in education.  

Infants with hearing loss should receive intervention services as soon as possible, but no later than 6 months of age.

You can receive services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEA 2004). Whether your child has formally been diagnosed with hearing loss or not, they might be eligible to receive early intervention services and treatment. 
 
Special Education

Special education can begin when a child is 3-22 years of age. This form of education was created to focus on the educational and related developmental needs of older who have disabilities, or experience developmental problems. Public schools provide services for these children.

Hearing Technology     

Some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can still hear at certain ranges. The amount of hearing that someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing has is known as “residual hearing”. No technology or surgery can cure hearing loss, but hearing aids can help with the hearing that they still have. 

Hearing Aids: Hearing aids help amplify sounds. People of any age can wear them. Infants with hearing loss may be able to hear better with the help of hearing aids. This might allow them to learn and acquire speech while they are young.

Support Services for Families

For most parents with normal and healthy hearing, finding out that their child has hearing loss can be startling. Parents may need time to take in that information, a support system, and learn how to help their child as best as they can.   

Receiving advice and information, connecting with other parents that have children with hearing loss, finding a deaf mentor, getting childcare or transportation services, having time for themselves to rest and relax, or having a supportive listener are all helpful ways to take care of your child. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 

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