What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are the main treatment for a type of hearing loss called sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This hearing loss happens when the inner ear (cochlea) or hearing nerves are damaged.
Hearing aids improve hearing by making sounds louder. For babies with SNHL, wearing hearing aids before they're 6 months old improves their speech and language development. When hearing loss is in both ears, kids usually wear two hearing aids.
Understanding how hearing aids work and how to care for them helps you support your child's hearing and communication development.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids have four main parts that work together to amplify sounds:
1. Microphone
Collects sounds from the environment and sends them to the amplifier. The microphone picks up sounds around your child.
2. Computer Chip
Helps interpret information about a child's hearing loss for processing. This digital processor adjusts sounds based on your child's specific hearing needs.
3. Amplifier
Makes the sound louder and sends it to the speaker. The amplifier increases the volume of sounds based on your child's hearing loss profile.
4. Speaker (Receiver)
Delivers the amplified sound to the ear. The speaker sends the processed sound directly into your child's ear canal.
Important: No single style or manufacturer is best for every child. Your audiologist will help you choose a hearing aid based on your child's needs, degree of hearing loss, age, and lifestyle.
What Are the Types of Hearing Aids?
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Most young children wear behind-the-ear hearing aids because they are easy to replace as kids grow.
Components:
- • A small hard plastic case that goes behind the ear
- • This holds the electronics that make up the actual hearing aid and the battery
- • An earmold that fits inside the outermost part of the ear
- • A plastic tube connects the earmold to the hearing aid
How Sound Travels:
Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear.
Benefits:
- • Easy to replace as children grow
- • Durable and less likely to be damaged
- • Can accommodate more powerful amplification
- • Easy to adjust and maintain
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
These fit completely inside the outer ear. As with BTEs, there is a hard plastic case that holds the electronic components, but it's shaped to fit in the ear, so it's all one piece.
Features:
- • Fits completely inside the outer ear
- • All components in one piece
- • Custom-molded to fit the ear
- • ITEs come in different sizes
Considerations:
- • The size used depends on the child and the amount of hearing loss
- • May need to be remade as the child grows
- • Typically used for older children and teens
- • Less visible than BTE aids
Earmolds
An audiologist specializes in testing and helping people with hearing loss. They will help find the right hearing aid for your child.
Important About Earmolds:
- • Ear molds are specially fit to your child's ear
- • Must be replaced as your child grows
- • Regular replacement ensures proper fit and sound quality
- • Poor-fitting earmolds can cause feedback or discomfort
FM Systems and Remote Microphones
Sometimes the audiologist will add a remote microphone or FM system to a hearing aid. An FM system lets kids hear a teacher's voice above background classroom noise.
How It Works:
- • The teacher wears a small microphone and a transmitter
- • The transmitter sends sound directly to the hearing aid and receiver
- • Uses wireless FM or Bluetooth transmission
- • Sound goes directly to the child's hearing aid
Where It's Used:
- • In classrooms to hear the teacher clearly
- • At home in noisy environments
- • In other places where there is a lot of background noise
- • During conversations in noisy settings
Benefits of Early Hearing Aid Fitting
For babies with sensorineural hearing loss, wearing hearing aids before they're 6 months old improves their speech and language development.
Why Early Fitting Matters:
- • First 6 months are critical for language development
- • Early access to sounds supports brain development
- • Better speech and language outcomes
- • Improved academic success later
- • Better social communication skills
Research Shows:
- • Children fitted before 6 months develop language closer to typical peers
- • Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes
- • Consistent use is important for best results
- • Family support and therapy enhance benefits
How Should We Care for Hearing Aids?
Follow the care and cleaning instructions that came with the hearing aid. Proper care ensures your child's hearing aids work well and last longer.
Cleaning the Earmold
Clean off any earwax on the earmold. This is important for sound quality and hygiene.
Cleaning Methods:
- • Wipe it off with a soft cloth or tissue
- • Use the cleaning tool it came with
- • Don't wipe a hearing aid with anything rough
- • Clean daily to prevent wax buildup
- • Check for cracks or damage
Keep the Hearing Aid Dry
Moisture can damage hearing aids. It's important to keep them dry.
Prevention Tips:
- • Remove before swimming or bathing
- • Store in a dry place
- • Use a dehumidifier if recommended
- • Avoid getting them wet
If They Get Wet:
- • Remove battery immediately
- • Dry with a soft cloth
- • Let air dry completely
- • Contact your audiologist if problems persist
Battery Care and Safety
Proper battery care ensures hearing aids work consistently and safely.
Battery Maintenance:
- • Check the battery with a battery tester
- • Replace the battery if it is running low
- • Keep spare batteries on hand
- • Learn to recognize signs of low battery
⚠️ Safety Warning:
Store batteries in a safe place so young children can't get to them.
- • Button batteries can cause serious injuries if swallowed
- • Keep batteries out of reach of children
- • Use child-resistant battery cases
- • Seek immediate medical attention if a battery is swallowed
Helping Your Child Get Used to Hearing Aids
It can take time for your child to get used to wearing a hearing aid. Start slow, and gradually increase the amount of time it's worn until your child wears the hearing aid most of the day.
Gradual Introduction:
- • Start with short periods of wear
- • Gradually increase wearing time
- • Be patient - adjustment takes time
- • Make it part of the daily routine
- • Goal: wearing hearing aids most of the day
Tips for Success:
- • Make it a positive experience
- • Use positive reinforcement
- • Address any discomfort promptly
- • Model acceptance and positivity
- • Connect with other families for support
Regular Follow-Up Care
Schedule regular follow-up visits with the audiologist and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to be sure the hearing aid is working well and the ear molds still fit.
Audiologist Visits:
- • Regular hearing tests
- • Hearing aid adjustments
- • Check for proper functioning
- • Programming updates if needed
- • Troubleshooting problems
Earmold Replacement:
- • Check fit regularly
- • Replace as child grows
- • Poor fit affects sound quality
- • Can cause feedback or discomfort
- • Typically needed every 6-12 months for children
Tips for Parents
Daily Routine
- • Make putting on hearing aids part of the morning routine
- • Check that they're working before leaving home
- • Have a consistent place to store them
- • Keep spare batteries accessible
Troubleshooting
- • Learn basic troubleshooting
- • Check battery first if not working
- • Clean earmold if sound is muffled
- • Contact audiologist for persistent problems
School Support
- • Communicate with teachers about hearing aids
- • Ensure FM systems are used if needed
- • Have backup batteries at school
- • Include in IEP or 504 plan if appropriate
Emotional Support
- • Be positive about hearing aids
- • Address any concerns your child has
- • Connect with other families
- • Celebrate progress and milestones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: At what age can a child get hearing aids?
A: Babies can be fitted with hearing aids as early as a few weeks old, and it's recommended to fit them before 6 months of age if there is permanent hearing loss. Early fitting is crucial because the first 6 months of life are critical for language development. Your audiologist will work with you to find the right hearing aids for your child's needs.
Q: Why do most children wear behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids?
A: BTE hearing aids are preferred for children because they are easy to replace as kids grow, more durable, less likely to be damaged, and can accommodate more powerful amplification. Since children's ears grow, the earmolds need to be replaced regularly, but the hearing aid itself can be reused. BTE aids are also easier to adjust and maintain.
Q: How often do earmolds need to be replaced?
A: Earmolds typically need to be replaced every 6-12 months for children, as their ears grow. However, this can vary depending on how quickly your child is growing. Your audiologist will check the fit at regular appointments and recommend replacement when needed. Poor-fitting earmolds can cause feedback, discomfort, or reduced sound quality.
Q: What is an FM system and when is it used?
A: An FM system is a wireless device that helps children hear better in noisy environments, especially classrooms. Here's how it works:
- • The teacher wears a small microphone and transmitter
- • Sound is transmitted wirelessly directly to the child's hearing aid
- • Reduces background noise and makes the speaker's voice clearer
- • Can be used in classrooms, at home, or other noisy places
- • Often included in IEP or 504 plans for school accommodations
Q: My child keeps taking their hearing aids out. What should I do?
A: This is common, especially when first starting. Try these strategies:
- • Start with short periods and gradually increase
- • Make it part of a routine (put on with getting dressed)
- • Check for discomfort - earmold may need adjustment
- • Use positive reinforcement when they keep them on
- • Make sure they're working properly (check battery, clean)
- • Be patient - adjustment takes time
- • Talk to your audiologist if problems persist
Q: How do I know if my child's hearing aids are working properly?
A: Signs that hearing aids are working:
- • Child responds to sounds appropriately
- • No feedback or whistling sounds
- • Sound is clear, not distorted
- • Battery tester shows good battery
- • Child seems to hear and understand better
If you have concerns, contact your audiologist. Regular check-ups help ensure they're working optimally.
Q: Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies by insurance plan and state. Some options include:
- • Private insurance may cover part or all of the cost
- • Medicaid often covers hearing aids for children
- • Early intervention programs may provide assistance
- • Some states have programs to help with costs
- • Non-profit organizations may offer financial assistance
- • Check with your insurance provider and audiologist
Your audiologist can help you understand coverage options and find resources if needed.
Key Takeaways
Early Fitting
Fitting hearing aids before 6 months improves speech and language development
Proper Care
Clean daily, keep dry, and check batteries regularly for best performance
Regular Follow-Up
Schedule regular visits with audiologist and ENT doctor for adjustments and fit checks
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information about hearing aids for children and is not intended to replace professional medical or audiological advice. Hearing aids should be selected, fitted, and adjusted by a qualified audiologist based on your child's specific hearing needs. Always follow the care instructions provided by your audiologist and contact them with any concerns or questions about your child's hearing aids.