Helping your children understand hearing loss is more than a health conversation, it’s a meaningful way to teach respect for others’ differences. Whether they’ve noticed a classmate using hearing aids at Downeast School or have questions about people using hearing aids, children may have questions. Having open, age-appropriate discussions can help them better understand and embrace those around them.
Simple Explanations
Young children don’t need technical explanations to grasp the concept of hearing loss. It’s possible to explain hearing loss with age-appropriate conversations.
You might start with explanations like:
- “Some people hear differently than others. Their ears work differently.”
- “Some people are born without hearing, while others may lose it as they get older or after being around loud noises.”
- “There are different tools that can help people hear better, like hearing aids or cochlear implants.”
- “Some people use sign language instead of speaking out loud.”
Pair your conversation with resources like children’s books, short videos or shows that include characters with hearing loss. These tools can help your child better understand the topic.
Foster Curiosity
It’s normal for children to ask questions about things that make them curious. Some might want to know why someone has a hearing aid in their ear or why someone may be talking with their hands. Questions are the first step to understanding, so you can use this opportunity to teach.
Once your child has a basic understanding, you can introduce a few practical ways to connect respectfully with someone who has hearing loss:
- Learn a few simple signs together, like “hello,” “thank you,” or even the alphabet in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Remind them to face people when speaking so it’s easier to see facial expressions and read lips.
- Talk about being a good listener, which isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about paying attention to what’s being said.
Creating a Hearing-Friendly Home
Demonstrating good hearing habits at home can also reinforce the importance of hearing health. Try these small changes:
- Turn down background noise like TV and music during conversations.
- Encourage face-to-face communication whenever possible.
- Talk about how loud environments can make it harder for anyone to hear clearly.
These habits not only support people with hearing loss but also make communication easier and more effective for everyone.
When hearing loss is treated as a normal part of overall health, it becomes easier for children to understand and accept. Consider scheduling regular hearing checkups for the entire family, just like you would for vision or dental care.
If you’re ready to schedule a hearing test or want guidance on how to talk to your child about hearing loss, reach out to Bangor Audiology today.