How To Motivate Your Child To Wear Hearing Aids

For children with hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants have the potential to open up a new world. Unfortunately, many kids and teens struggle with wearing hearing aids consistently, leading to challenges with the development of language and social skills, difficulty hearing parents and teachers, and a range of other consequences. So, how can parents motivate their kids to wear hearing aids?

In this article, we'll discuss why kids may resist wearing hearing aids and tips for motivating your child to use hearing devices, such as preparing them to answer questions, increasing comfort, and creating a routine. Then, we'll talk about how Joon can help.

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Why Your Child Doesn't Like Wearing Hearing Aids

It is normal to dislike hearing aids the first time they're worn. Especially for older children who have only recently found out about or developed hearing loss, it can be a challenging adjustment. Here are some common reasons kids of any age may refuse hearing aids:

• Physical discomfort
• They do not hear well with the hearing aids
• They do not understand the need for hearing aids
• Bullying or fear of feeling different from other kids

Since cochlear implants aren't the right fit for every child, hearing aids can be necessary. Even though it can be a process, it is possible to help your child get used to hearing aids and accept their importance.

Tips To Motivate Your Child To Wear Hearing Aids

With time and consistency, kids can overcome challenges related to putting hearing aids in their ears or keeping them in throughout the day. Stay positive and empathetic while maintaining boundaries. As much as it is hard to see a child go through the challenge of wearing hearing devices, it is critical that they wear hearing aids consistently during necessary times. With that in mind, parents can try these tips to motivate hearing aid use in kids. 

First, let's talk about how Joon can help.

Try Joon To Help

Joon is a to-do app and game created for children ages 6-12+. Using Joon can help kids complete virtually any routine or task parents create for them, including wearing hearing aids. In fact, Joon is hailed as one of the top parenting apps. Here's how it works:

Parents install the Joon Parent App and make a task list for their children. Your child's task list will be fully customizable, and you can add as many items as you want. Kids connect with a separate, child-safe app called Joon Pet Game. When they finish tasks in real life, children get rewards in Joon Pet Game that allow them to move forward and take care of a virtual pet.

90% of children who use Joon finish all their tasks. The app is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in the App Store, with more than 4k reviews.

Click here to try Joon for free.

Have an open conversation

Explain the importance of wearing hearing aids and ask your child what would make them feel more comfortable wearing them. Is there a physical comfort issue, or is it about appearance and the possibility of other kids seeing the hearing aid and asking questions? If so, what can be done to address either problem? Make sure you see a pediatric audiologist to rule out any potential problems with fitting or volume, especially if kids express discomfort, trouble hearing sounds, or something else that a professional may be able to help with.

Teach your child how to answer questions

If your child feels insecure about wearing devices like hearing aid clips in social situations, talking about how to respond to questions and comments can be helpful. Other children may get curious when they see the device in your child's ear.

Develop a routine 

A daily routine can help kids with hearing loss remember to put their hearing aids in. Create a schedule for your child's waking hours, including times when it is non-negotiable that your child wears their hearing aids. Since hearing aids should be taken out before bed, include the time when hearing aids can be removed from a child's ears, too.

Praise your child for wearing their hearing aid

Verbal praise goes a long way. Give your child verbal praise when they use their hearing device or meet a more specific goal, such as keeping them in throughout an activity or waiting to take them out until it's time to do so at night. Families may also introduce a reward system of some kind. A common example of this is a chart with stickers kids use to track their progress and move toward a larger goal. If your child is 6+, using Joon is an excellent way to encourage kids.

Give your child some control

Choices mean a lot to children. Thankfully, kids hearing aids come in a diverse range of fun colors, making wearing the devices easier and more enjoyable. While some parents may feel tempted to go with skin-toned hearing aids that are less visible to the sight of others, it can be counterintuitive to choose for your child. Let your child have control where you can with age-appropriate choices like hearing aid colors.

Use distractions to extend wear time 

If your child has started to wear hearing aids recently, it is often helpful to gradually increase the time spent wearing the devices. Distractions can help a child get used to hearing aids when they first start wearing them. Be patient and calm while putting hearing aids in your child's ear or watching them place the devices, providing distractions such as their favorite TV show, a toy, or something else you believe may appeal to your unique child.

Takeaway

While hearing aids and cochlear implants are life-changing for many children, hearing loss is not always easy for families to navigate. Children who experience hearing loss often take time to get used to hearing aids and may experience concerns such as discomfort or questions from peers. In some instances, these concerns can lead kids to refuse hearing devices. Thankfully, there are things parents can do to make the process easier. Use the ideas in this article to help motivate your child to wear their hearing aids. If you have any further concerns, speak with a medical provider, such as a pediatric audiologist, who can help.