If you have recently discovered that your child has hearing loss issues, it can be a scary time. You worry about your child and just want the best for them. Keep in mind there have been many advancements in hearing devices, including having kid-friendly hearing aids.
Here is more information about the hearing aids that are best for children of all ages:
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
The most recommended type of hearing aid for children is typically behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, especially for younger children. These will be less bothersome and it is easy to mold to the outside of your child's ears.
There are additional benefits of having a BTE hearing aid for a young child:
- It detaches so you can adjust it or get a new one as they grow
- It accommodates many different ear molds and ear shapes
- Children are not prone to sticking their fingers in their ears with outer ear hearing aids
- It is easy to clean and handle
- You are able to check it for adjustments and see how well it is working
- It works for all levels of hearing loss
- It can also be used in conjunction with other hearing devices
- For small ears, the soft ear molds are more comfortable
In-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Another type of hearing aid you can consider getting for your child if they are older, is an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. These are only recommended for older children and teenagers who understand a little more about hearing loss and how the hearing aid works.
The audiologist will fit the hearing aid to fit inside the child's ear, and your child will return to them on a routine basis to re-check how well it is working and see if it needs to be adjusted.
Your child needs to be old enough that they will not mess with it while it is in their ear, and they can tell you if adjustments need to be made based on how their hearing loss is changing.
Replacing Them as They Grow
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need to keep replacing hearing aids or having them adjusted as your child grows. Children grow at a rapid pace, and that includes the size of their ears. You shouldn't assume the same BTE hearing aid they got at four years old is one they will wear at ten years old.
This is why you should see the doctor as requested so they can see how it is fitting and recommended a bigger size when they are ready. Your child's hearing loss might also differ as they get older, so that might also require a different type of hearing aid eventually.
Helping Your Child Adjust
Adjusting to a new hearing aid is often the most difficult part of this process. It can be especially hard explaining its importance to a very young child. You may need to attach it to the outside of their ears with headbands, tape, or lightweight caps. Your doctor can recommend different ways of keeping the hearing aid on their ears. When they first get the hearing aid, make a game out of it and show it can be fun having it.
To learn more, contact a company like Jacobs Clinical Diagnostics with any questions or concerns you have.
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