As the new school year approaches, parents eagerly prepare their children for a successful return to the classroom. Parents of children with hearing loss need to consider a few extra factors to ensure their child is ready to thrive in the school environment. From scheduling checkups to communicating with school staff, here’s how to make sure your child is equipped, confident and ready to succeed despite their hearing loss.
1. Start With an Audiology Checkup
Before the school year kicks off, it’s important to have your child’s hearing aids inspected by an audiologist. Regular checkups help identify any issues, such as wear and tear, and ensure that the devices are still meeting your child’s hearing needs.
2. Communicate With School Staff
Open communication with your child’s teachers, school nurse and other key personnel is crucial for a smooth transition. Approximately 34 million children worldwide present with hearing loss. Because the condition is so widespread, your child’s school likely already has systems in place to accommodate them. Share important details about your child’s hearing loss and any specific accommodations they may need, including but not limited to:
- Assistive listening devices
- Classroom aide or buddy
- A quiet or central seating arrangement
- Extra time for assignments
3. Prepare a Hearing Aid Essentials Kit
Just like packing school supplies, it’s essential to prepare a kit of hearing aid essentials that your child can easily access throughout the school day. Include extra batteries or a portable charger, a protective hearing aid case and clips or lanyards to secure the hearing aids during active times like recess or physical education. In addition to items for your child, send along a quick guide for teachers on basic hearing aid care.
4. Foster Confidence in Your Child
Confidence is key to helping your child navigate school with hearing aids. Remind your child they are not alone—many students manage hearing loss and still thrive in the classroom. Encourage them to participate in school activities, make friends and embrace their unique strengths. If they struggle to make friends or get involved, try coordinating with other classroom parents to set up a playdate at Forest Park. By fostering a positive attitude, you can help your child confidently approach the school year, knowing they have your support.
To learn more about caring for your child’s hearing loss, contact Center for Hearing & Speech today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing experts.
