Do adults and children need different hearing aids?

Hearing loss affects people of all ages, including children. A small number of children are born with hearing loss and even more experience hearing impairment to some degree. When you are choosing hearing aids for yourself, or your children, it is important to be aware of some key differences. Asking a professional hearing care consultant at Clarisound will help you find a suitable hearing aid for yourself and your children too.

Children's hearing needs are different

Treating hearing impairment as early as possible is crucial. Hearing loss in children can cause delays in their development and can negatively affect their speech, language, and social skills as they grow up. Hearing aids are an effective way to treat this, even for infants as young as a few weeks old. Here are some signs that your child may be suffering from hearing loss;

• Not being startled by loud noises
• Not turning towards a sound after she's six months old
• Not saying single words like “mummy” or “daddy” by the time she's one year old
• Turns her head if she sees you, but not if you only call out her name
• Seems to hear some sounds but not others

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of hearing loss take a look at hearing aids with child-friendly features, these include;

• Tamper-proof hearing aids. Children are naturally curious and may view their hearing aids as toys to be played with and broken. This may even lead to endangering your child; small batteries may be ingested or other hidden dangers
• Child-friendly operating systems. Children have their own unique needs, so look for hearing aids with settings designed specifically for a child’s needs
• Designed for growth. Children’s ears continue to grow and mature well into their teen years. Because of this, certain types of hearing aids that work well for adults are not as suitable for children. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are a good choice for children for several reasons; they are worn outside the canal, work with most types of hearing loss, and are easy to operate
• User friendly hearing aids. Your child will need devices that are easy to use. BTEs are a good choice because they usually have large controls that are easy to operate
• Attractive colours and designs. If you are choosing a hearing aid for your child ask them what they want, this will help make them more likely to wear them every day

If you are looking for hearing aids for yourself or your children stop and think. You are different people with different needs and this requires different hearing care solutions. Drop in to Clarisound for some professional hearing care advice for you and your child.