Nearly 15% of Americans have experienced some form of hearing loss, so children are likely to encounter people with hearing loss. Helping your child understand hearing loss can be a powerful way to teach them how to embrace diversity.
So, whether your child notices a peer with hearing aids at Brackett Library or sees someone signing to others, these moments are a great opportunity to teach your child about hearing loss.
Talking About Hearing Loss
Young children don’t need extensive explanations to understand hearing loss. Simple, kind explanations help them make sense of what they see:
- “Everyone hears differently. Some people’s ears need help working.”
- “Some folks are born with hearing loss, and others develop it later, sometimes because of noise or aging.”
- “Hearing aids and cochlear implants help people hear sounds more clearly.”
- “Some people use sign language with their hands instead of speaking.”
To reinforce what you’re teaching, check out children’s books or shows featuring characters with hearing loss. This can help children feel more connected to the idea.
Fostering Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, and if your child asks why someone is using sign language or wearing a hearing aid, it can be used as a chance to build understanding.
Here’s how you can help them interact with kindness and awareness:
- Learn a few basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs together, like “hello,” “please” or the ASL alphabet.
- Teach them to face people when talking and explain how it helps with lip reading and makes communication easier.
- Talk about what it means to be a thoughtful listener, especially in group settings or noisy places.
When these ideas are introduced early, they can help shape a child’s confidence and respect for others.
Hearing-Friendly Environments at Home
Your own home can be a great place to show how small adjustments make communication better for everyone, not just those with hearing loss:
- Turn down background noise like the TV or music during conversations.
- Encourage speaking clearly and face-to-face rather than shouting from another room.
- Point out how hard it is to hear in crowded places like local cafes or the Vero Beach Farmers Market.
These practices create an inclusive atmosphere and reinforce healthy hearing habits. Making hearing checkups as routine as dental cleanings or eye exams helps children understand the importance of hearing care.
If it’s time to schedule a hearing evaluation for someone in your family, reach out to Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today. We’re here to help you navigate every step of your hearing health journey.