Hearing Aids & Children

A hearing aid is a device that is fitted to the ear and helps amplify sound in those who have experienced permanent hearing loss. Hearing aids can help children who have certain types of hearing loss live a more normal life. They come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles. If a doctor and parent deem it appropriate, hearing-impaired children of any age can benefit from hearing aid use.

Hearing Loss Symptoms

• Hearing loss can be difficult to detect, especially in young children. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, an infant may have hearing loss if he doesn't startle at loud noises, turn his head toward the sound of your voice or imitate sounds by 12 months. Other symptoms in children can include a lack of awareness of environmental sounds, a lack of speech and language development to match other children of his age and an inability to locate the source of a sound. School-age children with a hearing impairment may get frustrated with school, seem as if they aren't paying attention or be overly tired at the end of the day, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Sometimes parents do not find out about their child's hearing loss until she has undergone a formal hearing test. A health care provider who specializes in ears and hearing, such as an otolaryngologist or audiologist, can determine the best treatment options for your child.

Hearing Aid types

• There are a number of hearing aid types, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Choosing the best hearing aid for your child should be based on such factors as physical limitations and personal preference.
  Behind-the-ear hearing aids include a case worn behind the ear that is connected to an earmold worn inside the ear. This type of hearing aid is most commonly recommended for children.
  In-the-ear hearing aids are small, hard hearing aids that are worn inside the outer ear. These can be more difficult to adjust and are not usually recommended for children who are still growing.
  Canal aids are fitted in the ear canal, making them difficult to adjust. This type of hearing aids is rarely recommended for children.
  Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not properly conducted through the ear. It can be caused by an infection, impacted ear wax, or other condition and is usually correctable through a medical or surgical procedure. Bone conduction hearing aids can be used by people who have conductive hearing loss as well as for those whose ear canals cannot support a hearing aid.
  Sensorineural hearing loss is considered permanent hearing loss and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerves that run from the ear to the brain. Cochlear implants can be surgically implanted in those who have severe sensorineural hearing loss; they work by stimulating the auditory nerve directly. They can be used in children.

  Many other hearing treatment options are available for children with varying degrees of hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Care

• According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, hearing aids should be kept away from pets, water and heat. You should be sure to change the battery in your child's hearing aid often. Avoid the use of hair care products while the hearing aid is in place.

Is It Working?

• Many hearing-impaired children cannot accurately communicate how well their hearing aid is working, or even if it is working at all. Pediatric audiologists can perform tests using a probe with a small microphone that is inserted along with the hearing aid to measure the sound being amplified by the hearing aid. Some experts also recommend that parents carefully watch children who have been introduced to a new hearing aid and record their reactions to new sounds and situations.

Other Considerations

• When purchasing a hearing aid for your child, you may want to consider the following factors, as recommended by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:
  -Cost
  -Warranty
  -Ease of removal
  -Ease of adjustment and battery change
  -Can the child try the aid for a period of time before purchasing it?
  -Is this hearing aid the best match for my child's condition?