Hearing aids are essential for a child’s growth if they have hearing loss. Hearing aids allow children to engage with their surroundings, communicate effectively and develop language skills.
To ensure these benefits, it’s crucial that hearing aids are properly programmed and regularly adjusted to meet the child’s evolving hearing needs. Here’s why accurate programming is so important.
As children grow, the size and shape of their ear canals naturally change, which can impact the performance of their hearing aids. The dimensions of the ear canal affect how sound is amplified and perceived by the child. Without regular reprogramming to accommodate these physical changes, the hearing aids might not provide the correct amplification needed for the child to hear optimally.
Why Proper Fit Matters
To ensure children receive the appropriate level of audio input, audiologists rely on a probe-microphone system. This system helps adjust the hearing aids to match specific amplification targets based on the child’s unique hearing loss and ear canal characteristics. Regular checks are critical, as they ensure that the hearing aids are delivering the correct amplification, which is vital for the child’s ability to hear effectively.
Supporting Language Acquisition
Hearing loss can significantly impact a child’s language development. Children learn to speak by listening to and imitating the sounds, words and sentences they hear around them. If these sounds are not clear, language development may be delayed. A 2016 study highlighted that children with mild to severe hearing loss exhibited delayed language skills compared to their peers with normal hearing. Properly programmed hearing aids provide clear auditory input, which is essential for effective language learning.
Maintaining Long-Term Success
To keep hearing aids functioning optimally, it’s important for children to have regular check-ups with a hearing specialist. These visits allow for necessary adjustments to the programming as the child grows and their hearing needs evolve. Continuous support from a hearing specialist ensures that the hearing aids remain effective over time.
Parents and caregivers should also closely monitor the child’s hearing and communication progress. Any signs of hearing difficulty or changes in behavior should be reported to the hearing specialist promptly. Quick adjustments to the hearing aids can help prevent developmental setbacks and ensure that the child continues to respond accurately to speech sounds, whether in daily activities or while playing with others at Inspiration Playground.
By prioritizing precise programming and ongoing care, parents and caregivers can help children with hearing loss thrive in their communication and overall development. For more information and support, reach out to Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic to schedule a consultation today.