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Nowadays in 1000 children, every two children screened for hearing loss in the U.S are born with hearing loss or deaf. This is caught through a newborn hearing screening.
Few children will develop later due to infection or with medication side effects, genetic conditions or exposure to loud noises.
If you suspect your child having difficulty in hearing or hearing loss, consult your paediatrician or audiologist specialist earlier.
What are programmable hearing aids?
This is the new signal processing techniques, new modern terminology, an increased range of selection options, and greater dispenser involvement in hearing aid selection that can be expected. Significant contributions of this technology may lead to the introduction of improved hearing aid selection procedures and greater knowledge of the hearing mechanism.
It is important to realize that the pathway to defining the 'optimal hearing aid' is extremely complex and will take many years after the advent of digital technology.
Why do children need to wear pediatric hearing aids and how is it different?
Children with disabilities of hearing loss can wear hearing aids to improve hearing. Hearing aids or devices can be put on babies just a few months old. As they grow, paediatricians will change the hearing aid and periodic examination of hearing of babies is needed.
Pediatric hearing aids
All hearing aids devices contain a microphone to pick a sound. A processor that analyses the sound and filters out unwanted sounds like noise and a speaker who is speaking to deliver the amplified sound deep inside the ear. It has a power battery in it that can be recharged or disposable.
The latest models of hearing aids also connect to devices like smartphones, TV, tablets and laptops allow direct sound streams through hearing aids.
What is a Digital Programmable Hearing Aids?
Digital programmable hearing aids are much better than compared to analogue hearing aids. It has more new features for all ages that allows to work faster and improve the hearing impairment.
1. Microchips
It is found in only digital programmable hearing aids. This allows the aid to work fast and even better than analogue hearing aids. It has multiple settings and instructions at once. It can handle more data at any time.
2. Hearing aids settings
Digital hearing aids can be programmed and set to function in specific ways. It works with specific instructions and controls the microchip. It has settings for you to adjust the desired volume you prefer. These new features of digital programmable hearing aids are simple and easy to wear.
3. Accurate sound
One of the biggest advantages of programmable hearing devices is that the sound quality is more realistic. It can convert sound waves into digital form before processing. It cancels the background noise.
4. Design
It is a small and sleeker digital hearing aid. It takes little space as compared to analogue hardware which was used earlier. Modern models of hearing aids are smaller, handy, lightweight, better quality and design.
Importance of hearing aids for children:
If your physician suggests hearing aids for your child, it's important to make them wear continuously, especially if your child is too young.
1. From birth to 3years of age your child's brain is in a period of rapid growth and development. Continuous sounds are critical for developing the brain for hearing, and speech.
2. Fast listening and talking are vital to language learning.
3. Consistent hearing for children is important- especially infants in bonding with parents. It builds trust and allows a feeling of predictable.
4. Early hearing aids can treat hearing loss and help your child in listening and speaking.
Hearing aid tips for parents
• keep hearing aid on
It can be difficult to maintain the hearing device on children, especially if they are toddlers and children who have not worn it. Make your child comfortable with hearing aids.
▪︎ keep the hearing aid on the child, while you're working on an activity together.
▪︎ check the microphone is not covered with any bands.
▪︎ Use any special clips for your child to attach the hearing aids. If your child is pulled off, you may find it easily.
Hearing aid routine
Make a routine for your child to wear and practice hearing with the hearing aids. If your child continuously pulls the hearing aids this might be a sign of unfit from the fitting of hearing aids. See your child's audiologist specialist and get new domes or earmolds.
Daily checks
If your child having hearing aids need to be checked daily. Make sure the battery is working and the hearing aids is clean. Remember if you can't hear any sounds amplified through the hearing aids then your child cannot hear it.
Parents need to do visual checks before placing the hearing aids on their children. Make sure your child's hearing aids are clean and free of moisture. Remove the earmold from the hearing aid if it is dirty.
What to look for before buying a pediatric hearing aid for your children?
All age children can wear hearing aids. There is no one size fits all device, so buy hearing aids that suit your child needs. Here are few factors to consider while buying hearing aids:
• Severity of hearing loss: Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids are for mild to profound types of hearing loss.
• Ear condition: BTE devices are suitable for children with chronic ear infections.
• Ability and skill: Hearing aids will help alot to toddlers and children who have difficulty in hearing and talking. This hearing aids improve ability in speaking.
• Anatomy: Hearing aids are of many types and sizes for outer ears and shallow ear canals.
• Features: Many hearing aids have the latest features such as programmable environments, directional microphones, wireless connectivity, t-coil, radio, Bluetooth, adjustment, smartphone control and noise and feedback reduction.
• Safety: The BTE hearing aids consists of soft plastic, while ITE consists of hard plastic. ITE devices may hurt your child ears when it's broken.
• Other preferences: some of the hearing aids are waterproof and colour resistant available.
You can also check the device repair and maintenance costs, adjustment period, service coverage, and warranties while buying the hearing aids.
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