The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately one to three per 1,000 children has hearing loss, while other studies have shown rates from two to five per 1,000 children have the condition. If there’s a child in your life who experiences hearing loss, follow our tips below to share the holiday cheer with them.
Lower Holiday Music
Even though holiday music is festive and enjoyed by many, playing it too loud can make a child, or anyone else with hearing loss, have a hard time following along during conversations. If you wish to play music, keep it very low, but consider turning it off completely.
Give Them a Good Seat
Throughout the day, make sure the child has a front-row seat. Put them in the center of the table at dinner and the front of the crowd during the gifts and stories.
Sit Next to Them
If you have a large dinner planned with lots of guests, it’s especially important that you sit next to the child so you can help them follow along with the conversations, let them in on the jokes and make sure they don’t feel left out.
Use Technology
They may utilize technology to help them hear. You can help them out by visiting CRAFT to make centerpieces that can hold their FM microphone, for example.
Teach Them About Traditions
Teach them explicitly about any traditions you follow so that they know what to expect throughout the holiday. You should also tell them in advance if you’re deviating from any usual traditions so they aren’t confused.
Ask Them About New Traditions
As the child in your life if they have any ideas for new traditions they’d like to start. You may be surprised and excited about their ideas.
Choose a Thoughtful Gift
If you can, try to get the child in your life a gift that will enhance their listening and language skills, or something that will provide hours of creative play and stimulate conversations. Maybe you could even gift them something that will result in lots of quality time together.
For more information about pediatric hearing loss or to schedule an appointment, call River ENT today.
