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Taking Care of Little Ears: Helping Children with Hearing Loss

By Kevin Kock, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

To help a child grow and develop, their ability to hear plays a crucial role in their journey. As parents and grandparents, you care deeply about the well-being and success of your children or grandchildren. Children face various challenges in today’s fast-paced world, and some may need extra support. One important thing that can impact a child’s success is their ability to hear. Are there special things to consider for children who need hearing aids? Yes, there are.

The first thing to think about is finding out early if a child has a hearing loss. Family members, like parents and grandparents, can play a big role in noticing signs of hearing loss. If a child has delayed speech, often asks for things to be repeated, doesn’t respond when their name is called or has trouble following instructions, it might be time to check their hearing. Getting help early is important to support a child’s hearing development.

Fortunately, all babies born in America get a hearing check when they are born. If they pass this check, it does not necessarily mean the child will not develop hearing loss. Some kids are more likely to have permanent or temporary hearing loss that needs attention. This might be because of things like chronic ear infections, being in the NICU for more than 5 days, having a very low birth weight, getting certain hearing toxic medications at birth, or having a family history of childhood hearing loss. Kids with these risks or signs of hearing loss should get a hearing test and be checked regularly.

When it’s clear that a child needs hearing aids, the second thing to consider is the severity of hearing loss and how old they are. Children often have different types of hearing loss, and each hearing device is adjusted based on their specific needs. Store-bought or over-the-counter devices are never right for a child, no matter how severe the hearing loss is. It’s important for a licensed audiologist to provide prescription hearing aids to make sure the child can hear well. This means the sound quality is right, the volume is appropriate, and the child has the right support for success.

Encouraging a positive attitude towards using hearing aids is also important. Parents, grandparents and other family can help create an environment where wearing hearing aids is normal. Talking openly about the devices and addressing any concerns the child may have builds confidence and acceptance. This support helps lead to success.

Education is another important thing to think about. Studies consistently show that children with untreated hearing loss may struggle with language development, communication, and school performance. Hearing aids help bridge this gap when used correctly. They give children the chance to fully take part in class discussions, understand teacher instructions, and interact with classmates. Family members can learn about the child’s specific hearing needs and communicate well with teachers and audiologists. This may look different for each child. Asking your child’s school about things like “IEPs” or “504 plans” can make sure the child gets the right support.

In conclusion, the journey of a child with hearing loss needs a team to make sure the child reaches their full potential. By finding hearing loss early, encouraging a positive attitude, and being involved in education, we can create an environment where children with hearing aids not only do well in school but also grow into confident, engaged individuals.

Kevin Kock is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C. For more information, visit audiologyconsultants.com. Stores are located in Davenport, IA, Muscatine, IA, Moline, IL, and Geneseo, IL.