As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy shopping for supplies, choosing the perfect first-day outfit and attending parent-teacher meetings. For parents of children with hearing loss, there are additional steps to ensure a smooth transition into the school year. Let’s explore some essential tips to help your child head back to school confidently, equipped with hearing aids and ready to succeed.
1. Schedule an Audiology Checkup
Scheduling an audiology checkup before the school year begins allows your child’s Audiologist time to inspect their hearing devices for wear and tear and ensure they are still meeting their needs. If there isn’t time for an appointment before school starts, try to schedule one within the first few weeks.
2. Pack Hearing Essentials
In addition to pencil cases, scissors and crayon packs, pack hearing aid care essentials in your child’s backpack, including:
- Extra batteries or a portable charger
- Hearing aid case
- Clips or lanyards to keep hearing aids in place during recess or gym class
- Information about hearing aid care for your child’s teacher
If your child is taking a swim class at school, you might want to include a drying jar or dehumidifier in case of accidental water contact.
3. Talk to Your Child’s School Personnel
Discuss your child’s hearing needs with their school principals, nurses and teachers. Make accommodation requests like classroom aids or sign language interpreters before school starts and go over basic hearing aid maintenance with their teachers and nurses. In most cases, schools will have systems in place to accommodate children with hearing loss.
4. Think About Field Trips
Field trips to the California Nature Museum are an exciting part of the school year, but they can be a source of stress for children with hearing loss. If your child has an upcoming field trip, coordinate with their teachers to ensure accommodations are in place. If you feel more comfortable, sign up to be a parent chaperone!
5. Instill Confidence
It isn’t easy for children to feel different from their peers, but childhood hearing loss isn’t as uncommon as you may think. While we do not know the exact number, an estimated 1 to 3 per 1,000 children have hearing loss. Remind your child that they aren’t alone in their hearing loss, and it doesn’t need to stop them from having a great school year. Encourage your child to make friends, participate in school events and more. If you feel confident in their abilities to succeed, so will they.
For more information about managing your child’s hearing loss, contact Hearing Services of Santa Barbara today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.