Children are prone to misplacing their belongings. From their favorite toys to socks, nothing is an exception to this rule. If your child has recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, it’s natural to worry about them losing their hearing aids along with the rest of their belongings.
Check out some of our essential tips to ensure your child embraces and keeps track of their hearing aids.
Start Gradually
Similar to how your ears get sore when you wear in-ear headphones for too long, hearing aids can cause discomfort in the beginning. Encourage your child to wear their hearing aids for short periods, gradually increasing the duration with breaks in between.
Encourage Daily Cleaning
Dirty hearing aids can cause irritation and lead to infections. Walk through the daily cleaning process with your child. Include a cleaning as part of their bedtime routine to give them a sense of structure and encourage better hearing aid ownership in the long run.
Make Hearing Aids Exciting
Getting children excited about their hearing aids can significantly affect how well they manage and keep track of them. Try involving them in the hearing aid selection process to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility, making them more likely to take care of their devices.
Additionally, make their hearing aids more appealing by adding fun device-safe stickers or a colorful case. These personal touches can make your child eager to show off and keep track of their devices.
Discuss the Importance of Hearing Aids
Approximately 34 million children worldwide have hearing loss. Although the condition is common, children might struggle to understand the importance of their hearing treatment if they don’t see the benefits. Consider things your child finds fun and incorporate their hearing aids when possible. For example, if they love running around the Grove Street Playground with their friends, explain how their new devices will help them better communicate and participate in the fun. If they’re not much for playgrounds, watching a movie can highlight how hearing aids improve sound clarity and make the experience more enjoyable.
However they like to spend their time, demonstrating the benefits and importance of hearing aids will help your child understand the importance of keeping their devices safe and sound.
By incorporating these strategies, you can help your child feel more positive about their hearing aids and reduce the chances of them getting lost. For more information on pediatric hearing aid management, contact Gary D. Schwartzberg, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.