Preparing your Hard of Hearing Child for School

Whether your child has been wearing hearing aids for many years or they’re brand new to wearing a hearing device, starting a new school year can be stressful with new teachers and peers, new classrooms, new rules and new systems and equipment to figure out. Encouraging your child to be confident and comfortable wearing hearing devices can be quite the challenge. Here are some helpful resources and suggestions from some of our Ear Gear advocates.

Dr. Michele Hu, Hard of Hearing,  Audiologist also known as mama.hu.hears shares her first grade picture along with her story of hearing loss as a child. You can read about her experience and how to navigate yours and/or your child's hard of hearing journey.

Dr. Hu writes: "Back-to-school season can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for DHH kiddos. As parents, we often focus on new backpacks and school supplies, but what about preparing for those tricky social situations?" She even has a print out called "Preparing for School as a DHH Individual- Practice These Questions!"

Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mamahuhears  or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mama.hu.hears/ 

Hearo Harrison a child himself (Deaf, ANSD, Bilateral cochlear implant user, English/BSL, Signing Sundays 🤟🏻) writes "My top tips would be make sure to keeps spare parts for your hearing devices with you just incase. Make sure to advocate your needs! Always wear your Ear Gear to keep your hearing devices safe and secure. Make sure everyone knows how best to communicate with you so your fully included in all activities ".

You can find out more on Harrison's hearing journey on his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hearo.harrison/ 

Dr. Nashlea Brogan Audiologist, owner and CEO of Bluewater Hearing has a passion for helping others understand hearing health. She shares some planning tips for the school year ahead.

"Preparing for Fall: How to Keep Your Child Active While Protecting Their Hearing Devices
As your child grows and starts to explore new activities and sports, it’s essential to think ahead about how they can stay active while protecting their hearing aids and cochlear implants. Whether they’re gearing up for new sports or simply want to change their appearance as they grow older, this is a great time to plan for the months ahead.
With fall and winter just around the corner, here are some key things to consider

New Activities: Think about what new activities or sports your child might try this season. Will they be outdoors a lot, facing cold winds or rain? Are there risks of sweat or moisture from sports? Identifying these challenges ahead of time can help you choose the right protective gear.
Device Security: Depending on the activity, your child’s devices may need extra security. Ask yourself: will they need clips, straps, or other accessories to keep their hearing aids or cochlear implants securely in place during high-energy sports or outdoor play?
Fresh Look: As children grow, they often want a change in style. It’s a great opportunity to let them choose colors that match their personality or sports equipment. Feeling confident in their look can help boost their self-esteem, especially in social or team environments.

Coordinating Gear: From helmets to toques and headbands, your child’s activities will involve different gear that needs to work seamlessly with their hearing devices. Make sure everything fits well together and provides the protection they need while still being comfortable.

Planning ahead means you can find the right solutions for both style and function. Your child can stay active, protected, and confident while continuing to grow into the amazing person they’re becoming."

Visit Nashlea's Instagram and Facebook for more tips and helpful information.

Crystal Rivas a super Mom, went above and beyond to create gold lightning bolts on her son Alex's Ear Gear Original Cordless in black. She says "I hope it can inspire others to show off their hearing aids."

Preparing your child for a their school year ahead will lighten not only their fears and anxiety but yours as well. For more helpful information talk to your child's Audiologist.

Ear Gear Cordless models protect hearing devices from sweat, dirt, moisture, wind noise and sticky peanut butter fingers.

Ear Gear Corded offers the same protection and with the addition of a cord and clip, protects against loss.

Using Ear Gear ensures the devices remain functional and effective, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. In addition to protecting hearing devices Ear Gear is available in 8 standard colors and 19 customs colors. So show off your school colors! Visit our website at www.gearforears.com