The back-to-school season is filled with excitement, from picking out new backpacks to meeting teachers and reuniting with friends. For parents of children with hearing loss, this time requires some extra planning, but with the right approach, you can help them feel confident and supported. Let’s take a look at how hearing aids can help your child thrive and what you can do to prepare them for the school year.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids are tiny but advanced devices that collect, amplify and deliver sound directly to the wearer’s ear. These devices can help your child understand their teacher, interact with friends, stay alert during dodgeball games and more.
Some children may feel insecure about wearing hearing aids around their peers, but you can help minimize these feelings. Your child takes cues from you, so maintaining a positive attitude towards their hearing aids is key. Frame their hearing aids as an advantage—something that helps them hear, learn and participate fully. Provide books showcasing other children who use hearing aids or join hearing loss groups to help connect them to the other 34 million children in the world with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Back-to-School Checklist
In addition to providing hearing aids, there are a few ways you can help set your child up for success in school, including:
- Build strong connections with school staff. A successful school experience starts with strong communication. Schedule meetings with your child’s teachers, school nurse and other key staff to discuss their hearing needs. Share essential information, including how to operate the hearing aids, what to do in case of malfunction and any special accommodations your child might require.
- Pack hearing supplies. Provide your child with any hearing supplies they may need throughout the day, including backup batteries, a compact case, retention clips or lanyards and a maintenance kit in case of damage.
- Plan for sports. If your child plays sports, talk to the coach about special considerations, like wearing a helmet with hearing aids or providing extra communication support.
- Think about field trips. For field trips, coordinate with the teacher to ensure your child is equipped with everything they need to stay engaged and connected.
- Encourage self-advocacy. One of the most important skills you can teach your child is self-advocacy. Encourage them to speak up about their needs, whether asking for help with their hearing aids or requesting a better seat in the classroom.
By employing a few of these hearing loss tips, you and your child can feel confident as they enter the new school year. To learn more about caring for your child’s hearing health, contact Bangor Audiology today to make an appointment with one of their experts.