While we may like to think of kids as just tiny versions of adults, this is not always the case. Sometimes, they needs things specially tailored to fit their individual needs. This is the case for hearing aids.
WHAT IF HEARING LOSS IS LEFT UNTREATED
Untreated hearing loss can be detrimental for adults, as it can lead to an increase in feelings of depression and anxiety. Untreated hearing loss in children can be harmful to their development, as their understanding of language and social skills as well as their behavioral abilities are linked to their ability to communicate.
If your child is showing signs of hearing loss, you should contact your Thousand Oaks audiologist, as they need to be seen as soon as possible. The audiologist will complete a series of tests in order to determine your child’s type and degree of hearing loss. This information is necessary in order to create an individualized treatment plan.
BEHIND THE EAR HEARING AIDS
Hearing aids come in a number of types and styles. While they may all work for adults, the best model for children is behind the ear (BTE).
A BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The electronics, which are contained in the housing, are encased in plastic and connect to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or earmold.
The BTE style of hearing aid is the most powerful and effective for relating consistent, understandable sound. Because of its reliability and power, Thousand Oaks audiologists consider the BTE the best option for children whose language skills development is a higher priority than cosmetic concerns.
OTHER HEARING AID MODELS
For older children whose language is mostly developed, additional hearing aid styles may be recommended. While they don’t work any better than the BTE style, they are smaller and sleeker. Options include:
- In the Ear
- In the Canal
- Completely in the Canal
- Receiver in the Canal
HEARING AID ACCESSORIES
To top off the hearing aid selection, there are a number of accessories that can help improve your child’s hearing aid experience.
There are a number of accessories that are classroom specific. They can help broadcast the speaker’s voice directly to your child’s hearing aid, thus eliminating a lot of the background noise.
Cellphone aps and remote controls are beneficial for older children. This gives them better control over their hearing aids.
For more information on the best hearing aid for your child, contact your Thousand Oaks audiologist today.