Table of contents:
- 1. Get treatment early
- 2. Use early intervention services
- 3. Find support for yourself
- 4. Explore sounds with your child
- 5. Talk to your child
Finding your child hearing loss is a difficult situation. However, hearing loss does not limit your child from learning and communicating. With proper care and service, your little one can develop just like any other child. Here are some things you can do to help.
1. Get treatment early
For hearing loss conditions, early treatment is key. This means using a hearing aid or other device to help him hear.
The baby's brain develops rapidly, and it is very important to stimulate the entry of sound into the brain as quickly as possible. Children who hear sounds earlier tend to develop the same way as others their age.
Now all babies usually have tests to check their hearing after birth. That means if they have hearing problems, they can use their hearing aids right away even at a few weeks of age. It is very important to choose a certified pediatric audiologist.
Even children with severe hearing loss can adjust to their peers at 5 or 6 years of age if they get a cochlear implant when they are 1 or 2 years old. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that is placed inside the ear to help the brain process sound. The ENT doctor will explain why this device is the best way for your child to regain hearing.
2. Use early intervention services
About 95% of parents of children with hearing loss do not experience the same thing as their children. This requires parents to learn more. This is what early intervention programs are for. This program will help you to coordinate all the services your child will need. Hearing loss babies should get early intervention as soon as possible.
You can find this program through the nearest hospital. You will work with hearing specialists, such as audiologists and language pathologists, for planning family services. Early intervention also provides support for the family and can teach you ways to help develop children's language and speech.
3. Find support for yourself
If you have support, it will be easier for you to help your child.
Dealing with hearing loss is not easy to deal with at first, so families need more emotional support. Some parents find counseling very helpful. Others turn to support groups (support group). This will help you connect with other families who have children who have also lost hearing. There are many online communities available, or you can ask your doctor about groups in your community. Many parents feel that sharing experiences with similar families has helped them a lot.
4. Explore sounds with your child
Hearing sounds and words from an early age will help them develop their language. Find simple ways to introduce a new voice every day by:
- Play with your baby who teaches him to imitate, such as the game of peekaboo. This game teaches your baby to communicate in turns.
- Talk about what you are doing. For example, "We're going to grandma's house", or "Dad is washing the dishes".
- Read to your child. Describe the pictures in the book. As he gets older, ask him to point to the picture you mentioned. Or ask your child to name what the picture is.
- Sing together
5. Talk to your child
You know what's best for your child. If plans and services for children provided by your team of doctors or carers don't work, let them know. The health team and carers must work with you to achieve the goals you want to set for your child. If not, find another provider who will help.
Being fully involved in the development and care of the child in this condition is the best thing you can do for him. So don't be afraid to strive for their needs, and don't stop looking for information about them.
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