More than a million children in this country suffer from mild to partial disabilities in their ability to distinguish sounds. While for some this damage is severe, for many it is so minor that it is barely noticeable. Well, recent research suggests that even a minor handicap can lead to serious learning disabilities and create serious difficulties in school. Much is being done to improve the tests and make them more accurate, but there is no question that some children simply do not have their needs recognized. For those who do, they may be tested and fitted with a hearing aid that will help them in ways that can truly change their lives.
If one suspects that your child may be suffering from a disability, it is essential that you take him to an audiologist to have his abilities examined and tested. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell that there is a problem, but there are some indicators that may suggest that there is at least minor deterioration. If a child attends to it or constantly makes low volume noise, it could indicate a problem. In other situations, it can be difficult to get a child’s attention. It may seem like they are being defiant or not listening to instructions. If any of these things seem to be present and outside the range of normal behavior, make an appointment for some testing.
If it turns out that there is some deficiency in their ability, it is possible to fit them with a hearing aid that can help them better process the world around them. Just like adults, there are many different models of this type of appliance. Some are of the more traditional analog type that most people are familiar with. Although these are available, there are also many advancements that offer the highest level of discretion and technology. They are made entirely in ear canal units that are barely noticeable. They also make digital and programmable models that adjust to ambient noise on their own. It can be overwhelming trying to figure these things out on your own, but a professional audiologist can certainly offer a number of options on how to best accommodate each child’s needs and living conditions.
A hearing aid need not be seen as a handicap. Those who have them are capable of doing everything other children do, but they just need to be a little more careful. It is possible to play sports and scientists are even working to develop more types that a person can even swim with. The decision on which one to buy and use is likely up to each child and how responsible they are. These devices are very expensive and are easily lost. So for those who may not be the most trustworthy, it’s best not to buy an incredibly small and expensive hearing aid.