Many associate hearing loss with older populations, but lots of children experience hearing loss as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately one to three of every 1,000 children has hearing loss, while other studies have estimated this number to be more like two to five per 1,000 children. If you have a child in your life with hearing loss and hearing aids, we provide tips for sharing holiday cheer with them below.
Create a Good Listening Environment
To create a good listening environment, the best thing you can do is try to reduce background noise. This means turning off holiday music or playing it very low, and keeping the football game on TV muted. We also recommend trying to create soft surfaces that absorb noise by using tablecloths, curtains, rugs, etc.
Give Them the Best Seat
During dinner, make sure your child is sitting near the middle of the table so they’re not left out of conversations on the other side. Sit next to them to repeat important information so they don’t feel like they’re on their own trying to follow along. During story times or gift opening, seat them at the front of the group.
Talk About Traditions
Talking to your child about holiday traditions can help them know what to expect during the holidays and what the order of events will be. For example, if during dinner you go around the table to talk about what you’re thankful for, tell the child this so they can try to pay attention to cues for when this will start. You can also talk to them about tradition they would like to start. You never know what fun and clever ideas they’ll come up with.
Utilize Listening Technology
Assistive listening devices like FM Systems or Roger microphone can help your child follow along with dinner table conversations more easily. You can even visit a craft store to create centerpieces that can hold their microphone for their convenience. Alternatively, you can download a live captioning app on your smartphone if your child is old enough to read well.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.