Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small devices that amplify sound for children with hearing loss. Some types are worn behind the ears while others are worn inside the ear canal. The devices make speech easier to understand and other sounds easier to hear.

Consistent use of properly functioning hearing aids is the single most important factor in the development of spoken language in a hearing-impaired child. Ideally, children should get hearing aids soon after being diagnosed with hearing loss. In combination with training in language and listening, hearing aids can help young children develop communication skills.

Pediatric hearing aids are designed with infants and growing children in mind. Compared to adult hearing aids, they are more durable and have tamper-proof battery compartments. Your child may be able to choose the color, depending on the model recommended by their audiologist.

Some hearings aids run on disposable batteries while others are rechargeable. Hearing aids change the way sound enters the ear in three stages:

• A microphone receives the sound and converts it into electrical signals.
• An amplifier increases the volume of the electrical signals and sends them to the receiver.
• The receiver converts the electrical signals into sound waves that travel to the brain, where your child processes language and other sounds.

The cost of a hearing aid varies and reflects the technology used to develop the mini components in the device. In some cases, the cost includes services provided by the supplier.

Your child’s audiologist may be able to help you find programs to help cover the cost of your child’s hearing aids.

• Medicaid covers the cost of hearing aids for Medicaid-eligible children.
• Massachusetts offers a Hearing Aid Program for Infants and Children for families who qualify financially.
• Some charitable organizations offer assistance to families who cannot afford a child’s hearing aids.
• Some health insurance policies cover hearing aids. It’s worth checking with your insurance company.

Infants as young as 2 months can be fitted with hearing aids.

The quality of speech your child will be able to hear with hearing aids will be affected by the degree of your child’s hearing loss.

• If your child has mild or moderate hearing loss, hearing aids can help them hear speech at almost the same level of clarity as a child who doesn’t have hearing loss. However, speech will be more difficult to recognize in loud spaces, even with hearing aids.
• If your child has severe or profound hearing loss, hearing aids can help them hear speech, but they may not hear speech clearly enough to fully understand what’s being said. Combined with communication strategies and/or sign language, hearing aids can be a critical part of your child’s ability to hear and communicate.

Different types of hearing aids are worn in different parts of the ear: behind the ear, in the outer ear, or in the canal leading to the middle ear.

Your child will need new earmolds as they grow, but children typically don’t outgrow hearing aids. However, the devices typically need to be replaced after about five years.

Most manufacturers offer damage or loss-and-damage protection for at least one year after the date of the fitting. Be sure to find out about this coverage when you buy hearing aids and to purchase loss-and-damage insurance when the manufacturer’s policy runs out.

Two hearing aids are recommended for nearly all young children with hearing impairment, unless one ear has no residual hearing or can’t benefit from amplified sound.

If your child has partial hearing in both ears, two hearing aids are better than one. With two hearing aids, your child will be better able to tell what direction a sound is coming from. Two hearing aids can also help your child to "tune in" to one voice in a noisy room.

It can take some time for your child to get used to wearing hearing aids and hearing sounds through them. Be patient and start slow.

• Have your child wear their hearing aids in quiet places first. Over time, gradually have your child wear their hearing aids in noisier environments.
• Experiment. Pay attention to what settings and times the hearing aids work best for your child.
• Keep a record of your questions and concerns to bring to your child’s follow-up exam.

A hearing aid is a delicate electronic instrument. These simple rules will extend their life and reduce the need for repairs:

• Keep the devices away from heat and cold. Do not leave hearing aids on a radiator, stove, windowsill, glove compartment, car seat, dashboard of the car, or any other hot or cold place.
• Keep hearing aids dry. Keep your child’s devices out of a steamy bathroom. Make sure to take them off for bathing, showering, or swimming. In heavy rain or snow, take the aids off or cover them with a hood or umbrella.
• Don’t mix hair care and hearing aids. Remove the hearing aid when using a hair dryer and never spray your child’s hair with hair spray when they’re wearing their hearing aids.
• Keep the devices clean. If you see visible corrosion on the battery contacts, take the devices to the hearing aid dispenser to be cleaned.
• Maintain the batteries. Replace the batteries regularly. When going to bed, open the battery compartment or remove the batteries overnight to prevent corrosion and improve battery life.

• Try replacing the battery or placing the device in its charger.
• Check the earmold tubing for wax.
• Contact your child’s audiologist, who may be able to help troubleshoot by phone. They may also suggest sending the device in for repair.

• Remove the battery if the device has one.
• Slide the earmold tubing off of the earhook (the hard plastic that sits around the top of the ear).
• Using the tube blower, blow water out of the tube.
• Place the hearing aids and earmolds in the dri-aid kit overnight.
• Listen to the hearing aid the next morning. If it does not work, call your child’s audiologist.

• Make sure the earmold has a tight seal when it’s inside your child’s ear.
• Try replacing the earmold, making sure to place it as deep into the ear as possible.
• If you continue to hear feedback, your child may need new earmolds. Contact your child’s audiologist to schedule an appointment for earmold impressions.

Hearing aid evaluation

You and your child will meet with an audiologist, typically in person for about an hour. The audiologist will review your child’s hearing test and discuss how hearing aids could help. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your child’s hearing or speech and language development, now is a great time to ask them.

The audiologist will describe the types of hearing aids they recommend for your child and the reasoning behind their recommendations. After you and your child decide on a hearing aid type, you can make choices about color and (potentially) accessories.

At the end of the hearing aid evaluation, the audiologist may ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your child’s auditory skills and development and set goals for your child and their hearing aids. The audiologist may also do some additional hearing tests. Over time, this information will help your child’s team track your child’s progress with the hearing aids. 

Earmold impression

Depending on the type of hearing aid, your child may need an earmold impression for one or both ears. Earmold impressions are created with a silicone mixture and sent to the lab where your child’s personalized earmolds will be created.

The process to make an earmold impression includes:

1. After an audiologist looks inside your child’s ears, a foam or cotton “block” will be placed in your child’s ears to protect their eardrums.
2. Silicone putty will be mixed and placed in a syringe. The syringe will be used to put the putty into your child’s ears. The putty may feel cold at first, but it warms up quickly.
3. Once the putty is in your child’s ears, it will need to remain undisturbed for five minutes. Your child can play with toys, watch a movie, or play a game to keep them entertained while the impression material is drying.
4. Once set, the putty will be removed and the audiologist will look in your child’s ears again to ensure they are healthy.
5. You and your child will get to choose the earmold style, color, and possibly put a “logo,” such as a spider or paw print, on it.

The earmold impressions will be sent to a manufacturer who will make them into hearing aid earmolds. A hearing aid fitting will be scheduled six to eight weeks after the amplification evaluation to allow time for the earmolds to be created.