If your child with hearing loss has started school or is about to start a new school year, it could be stressful for both you and your child. Feeling different can be especially challenging for children, and they may be worried about how they’ll fit in at school and how their hearing loss could affect that. You, as their parent, may be worried about how well your child will keep up with the teacher or if they’ll struggle with socializing.
These important conversations are hard to have, and they’ll prepare your child to have a successful, fulfilling school year. Let’s talk about some discussions you may want to have with your child.
Explain Hearing Loss to Your Child
Your child may find all the technical details about their hearing loss confusing. Hearing is a complicated process. If your child feels disconnected from the details of their hearing loss, they’ll have a harder time articulating what help they need when they need it. Discuss how hearing works. Show them their audiogram and explain what they can and can’t hear well. Make sure they understand the basics. Demonstrate to them that this is their body and how it works, and understanding that will be a powerful way to navigate their whole life with hearing loss.
Discuss Communication Strategies That Work
There are many strategies for communicating with people with hearing loss. Give your child some of these strategies to help supplement their understanding in case they can’t hear very well. For example, you could encourage them to:
- Look at the person speaking. A lot of information can be gained from watching as well as listening.
- Position themselves strategically. Sitting near the front of the class will help them hear better. If one ear is better than the other, they should sit so their better ear is toward the teacher.
- Keep distractions to a minimum, so they can focus on listening.
- Don’t be afraid to raise a hand if they need a repeat, rephrase or pause. Remind them that pretending they heard something when they didn’t will be detrimental for comprehension in the long run.
Will Hearing Aids Help?
Wearing hearing aids has been shown to benefit the wearer’s mental, cognitive and physical well-being, and these benefits will be potent for your child at school. Hearing aids are a tool to help them hear, just like glasses are a tool to help others see. Hearing aids will go a long way in helping your child keep up with the teacher and socialize with their friends.
If your child is already wearing hearing aids, ensure they go to school with backup batteries, a storage case, a clip or lanyard and a cleaning kit so they’re always prepared.
If you want to learn more about how hearing aids can benefit your child and prepare them for school, call Certified Hearing Aid Consultants today for more information or to make an appointment.