Whether your kid is pumped for their first day at school or coming up with 1,000 reasons why they shouldn’t have to go, your plate is full of tasks before the school year. If your child has hearing loss, you will need to take a few extra steps to ensure both the school and your child are prepared.
1. Talking to the School
If this is your child’s first-ever day of school, you will need to notify the school of their hearing loss and request any necessary accommodations. Some possible accommodations include:
- Sign language interpreters
- Classroom aides
- Extra learning time
- Voice-to-text machines
- Loop systems
- Additional written information
You should also talk with their teacher. If you know of any way your child communicates or learns best, inform their teacher so they can instruct effectively.
2. Talk to Your Kid
Although your child can enjoy and benefit from school as much as their peers, they might feel nervous about how their hearing loss or hearing aids will affect their experience. Common worries include:
- “I won’t be able to keep up in class.”
- “Other kids will think my hearing aids are weird.”
- “My classroom aide will draw attention to me.”
The idea of being different can be harder for a child to grasp. If they have any of the above fears, or any not listed, make sure you hold space for their feelings. Let them know it’s natural and reassure them that the other kids will love them for the amazing person they are.
Introducing your child to movies and books that feature children with hearing loss is a great way to normalize their experience. You can also teach your child about their hearing aids: the benefits, how to care for them and why they need them.
3. Pack Hearing Aid Supplies
Pack your child’s cleaning kit and charger or extra batteries to ensure they have everything they need to succeed. Giving their teacher a guide to your child’s hearing aids can help if your child is too young to troubleshoot any issues.
If you have questions about helping your child navigate their hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to Austin Auditory Specialists today.