While most would consider it harder for adults to place up with deafness, that's actually not true. It's harder on children. Well, give some thought to it this manner. Adults are already full-grown. Children have lots of different stages to travel through before they really become full-grown, mature people. True, technology has made hearing aid much better over the years-and that is what has gotten hearing aids to the point that they are at now.
Hearing products can do a much better job for a longer time if your child knows how to properly care for their hearing aid. Yes, there will be wear and tear on the hearing device, and that's normal. But here are some hints to use to take better care of their hearing aid:
1. Hearing aid are delicate and sturdy at the same time. In other words, don't drop them on purpose. On accident once in a while is one thing, but all the time is something completely different. Also, remember that extreme cold or heat will affect how the hearing aids work, too.
2. Until your child is old enough to do it on their own, don't change the batteries in front of them. It is not unusual for them to want to try to play with the hearing device, or the battery, or to even put the battery into their mouth, which is dangerous. Hearing aid are available with tamper-resistant battery covers to prevent little ones from gaining access, and causing more problems.
3. Just as you would not want a child to not put a hearing aid battery into their mouth, the same applies to your pets. Keep the hearing aids away from your pets, so that they will not chew on them, and inadvertently swallow them.
4. Spend it slow reproof your child in one level tone of voice so they will understand how the hearing aid works. Then experiment with louder and softer voices, so they're ready to note of how sounds should sound. And if they notice that things don't seem to be right at a later point in time, then you'll be able to take the hearing device in to be checked out by an appropriate professional.
5. Clean the device every day, with a moisture-free cloth. Wipe the hearing aid itself clean, getting all dirt off so that it will function properly the next day.
6. Do not ever allow the product to get wet, as the moisture will affect how it works, or if it works at all. Sometimes the moisture will make the wiring and digital components short out inside the hearing device, and in some cases, void the warranty.
7. Don't leave the hearing device lying out near a stove, or in the sun. High temperatures can ruin a hearing aid.
8. Another no-no for hearing aids is hair spray and hair dryers. Don't ever use them while wearing your hearing aids. Use those particular things FIRST, THEN put your hearing aids in. The hair spray can gunk up the hearing aid and make it non-functional, while the heat from the hair dryer will do the same, or even melt part of the hearing aid.
9. Always put the hearing device in a safe place when it is not being used.
10. Never try to fix the hearing aids by yourself if there is a problem with it. Never try taking it apart, either, as that will void any warranty that you may have. Take it somewhere that there is a professional that is qualified to fix it after they have evaluated it.
