School is out, and it’s time to enjoy the summer. For many kids, that means heading off to summer camp. If you have a child with hearing loss who is heading to summer camp for the first time, you may be nervous about any challenges they may face.
Let’s look at a few ways you can prepare your child for summer camp if they have hearing loss.
Deciding on The Right Camp
Take some time to research camps in your area and reach out to them beforehand to talk to them about your child’s hearing loss. Doing this will allow you to find out if they’ve had experience accommodating children with hearing loss in the past or, if not, if they are willing to provide the support your child needs.
Talk with any counselors, administrators, nurses or other medical providers on staff to make sure you feel comfortable that they can provide the right type of environment for your child to thrive.
Pack Up All the Hearing Essentials
Whether your child is going to a day camp or will be spending the night, make sure they have all the equipment they need to hear their best. In addition to their hearing aids, don’t forget to include extra batteries, a waterproof case to store their hearing aids in, as well as a brush, cloth or other items that may be needed if their hearing aids need to be cleaned or dry.
If you know your child will be engaging in a lot of sports or other physical activity, consider packing hearing aid sleeves or clips to protect their device from excess moisture and prevent them from falling out.
Also, make sure there is someone designated at the camp to know what to do if your child’s hearing aid stops working or they have other hearing-related issues arise.
Teach Your Child to Feel Comfortable Talking About Hearing Loss
Data shows that 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. So, your child may be the only child with hearing loss at their particular camp. Being open with other kids about their hearing loss and learning to feel comfortable talking about it can increase your child’s confidence and help to educate other kids.
Make Sure They Know to Have Fun
The main reason you’re sending your child to summer camp is so that they can have fun. Whether it’s playing games with friends, drawing pictures or learning about nature while walking through the forest at Kelsey Creek Park, the most important thing is that your child has a fun and enriching time.
To learn more about pediatric hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today.