Helping your child understand hearing loss is an important step in helping them to understand people’s differences. Whether your child has a classmate with hearing aids at Grapevine Elementary or simply asks questions after watching a TV show, conversations about hearing loss can help build understanding and respect.
Talking About Hearing Loss
It’s great to explain to children what hearing loss is and you can explain it by using language children will understand. Young children may not need technical explanations but will benefit from clear, kind descriptions of what hearing loss means.
Some ways to explain hearing loss include saying things like:
- Some people can’t hear well or at all. Their ears work differently.
- Some people were born without hearing, and some people lost their hearing.
- People can lose their hearing as they get older. Sometimes people lose their hearing after hearing very loud noises.
- People with hearing loss might use sign language to communicate.
- Hearing aids are tools people can use to help communicate with others.
You can also use books, videos or shows that feature people with hearing loss to support the discussion in a natural and engaging way. You can also demonstrate what hearing loss may sound like to the child.
Encourage Questions and Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, and it’s okay if they don’t understand everything right away. Encourage them to ask questions. They may ask why people with hearing loss have things in their ears and may be curious about how people with hearing loss communicate. Welcoming their curiosity helps normalize differences and removes any sense of discomfort around the topic.
There are also ways to help your child learn how to communicate with people with hearing loss, including:
- Teach a few basic signs like “hello,” “thank you,” or the alphabet.
- Talk about facing someone when you speak and not covering your mouth.
- Emphasize listening with care, not just to hear.
You can also support people with hearing loss by having a healthy hearing plan in your own household. Explain how noises make it difficult to hear others when talking and eliminate or minimize background sounds in the home. Face each other when speaking.
Additionally, routine hearing tests for the family make hearing loss an accessible topic. To learn more about hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test for you or a loved one, contact Heard It Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC today.
[related-posts]