When it comes to hearing aids and hearing technology in general, a lot has changed. There’s much more available than there ever was before, and the advancement of such technology has led to incredible devices and assisted listening features in public and private settings that make those hard of hearing more capable of hearing sound.
With that in mind, if you’re a parent who’s looking for hearing tech and you need the best guidance on what to choose for your child or children, then this guide will share all of these options and more.
Primary hearing technologies available
There are a number of great hearing technologies available that are worth knowing about when it comes to exploring the options available.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are worn in or behind the ear and amplify sounds to help individuals with various levels of hearing loss. These are the most common solutions for mild to severe hearing loss.
Microphones help to pick up sound waves within the hearing aid, and the processor converts them into electrical signals that enhance sound quality. An amplifier helps to increase the sound before it sends it to the speaker in the ear.
There are a number of different types of children that are worth knowing about. These include:
Behind-the-ear
These are the most common styles for young children due to their robust engineering and manufacturing. These devices come in various colors and can accommodate a wide range of hearing losses.
Receiver-in-the-canal and in-the-ear
These may be an option for older children with specific hearing levels, offering smaller and custom-made fits.
Modern hearing aids often include advanced digital signal processing to help reduce background noise and clarify speech. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity that is useful for linking with smartphones or other devices.
Cochlear implants
A cochlear implant is something that’s surgically implanted. An electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear to provide a sense of sound to those who have severe or profound hearing loss.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants only amplify sound. With an external sound processor that captures sound signals and converts them into electrical impulses, it’s these that are sent to an internal electrode array placed in the cochlea.
The right candidates for this device are determined by an audiological assessment and are typically based on the degree and type of hearing loss. Not just that, but the child’s ability to benefit from traditional hearing aids.
Bone-anchored hearing devices
Bone-anchored devices are an option for children with conductive hearing loss. That means children who have problems with sound transmission through the outer or middle ear. It can also be useful for mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
These work with the help of a sound processor, which is attached to a small abutment or magnetic plate that’s surgically placed in the skull bone. The process then converts sound into vibrations that are transmitted through the skull directly to the functioning inner ear. This bypasses both the outer and middle ear entirely.
Assistive listening devices
ALDs are supplementary technologies used in specific situations, like a classroom or home. This helps to improve communication and access to auditory information.
There are several assistive listening devices used, and these include radio aids/FM systems, for example. Alerting devices that use visual signals or strong vibrations to alert a child to household sounds, like a doorbell or a smoke alarm going off.
Communication aids are also particularly helpful for those with additional communication difficulties. The use of augmentative and alternative communication systems ranges from simple picture cards to high-tech, speed-to-text apps on a tablet, which can provide a voice.
How to choose the right hearing aid and what to expect at a hearing appointment
Choosing the right hearing aid means a professional hearing test. Assessing your lifestyle, such as tech needs, your budget, and activity levels, is all helpful when making a decision. A trial period is something that you want to look at, too, as the hearing aid you pick might not always be the best one for your needs.
A hearing appointment will be the first thing you have, which looks at your history of your family’s hearing and health conditions. This is then followed up by an ear examination, a comprehensive hearing test, and results in a discussion to find the best fit and program for your needs.
The audiologist appointment is a collaborative one as they look closely at what hearing aids match best when it comes to their features.
Choosing the right hearing aid takes some time and effort, both on your part and the audiologist responsible for selecting one for you. First and foremost, you’ll want to get yourself a professional hearing test. An audiologist will determine the type and severity of your hearing loss.
They’ll then take a look at your lifestyle and identify what key features are helpful to have in order to cater to your needs specifically. Setting a budget is important for many, especially as some hearing aids can be quite costly depending on their tech features.
Think about the style and comfort of the hearing aid, and once you’ve picked one out, then comes the trial period. You may go back and forth with different hearing aid types to see which one works the best for you.
There’s smart hearing aid market growth for hearing aids when it comes to kids, so if you’re looking for kids’ hearing aids, then it’s certainly worth exploring the market for smart hearing aid technology.
When it comes to preparing your child for a hearing test, try to put their mind at ease. Use only positive words and phrases when describing the hearing test experience, and offer them a reward for being brave and attending the appointment.
With today’s hearing tech options, this parent’s guide will be everything you need to select the right hearing aid or device that best suits your child’s hearing requirements.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
