Tips For Your Family
Helping your child to hear and understand better requires active
participation from family members and friends. Begin by setting up some simple
communication rules. Invent a sign (like waving the hands) when you start
talking to your child. The sign will quickly attract the child's attention to
your words; it will be much easier for him or her to understand. Here are some
other tips for you and your family:
- Our world is full of "hearing impressions" that a child can learn to develop
and understand. Talk about everything that you are doing. Verbally describe the
setting around you and your child.
- Help your child listen to these sounds. Explain the different sounds and how
they are connected with other events.
- Always try to show them what you are talking about. Visual signs help.
- Use short and simple sentences, rather than "baby talk." Repeat the
sentences and speak clearly and slowly.
- Look at your child while you are speaking to them. Often, it is easier for a
child with hearing loss to understand when they can watch your mouth and facial
expressions.
- Provide comfort and love by taking the child in your arms when talking to
them.
- Encourage your child to speak, and be patient as your child explores speech.
Do not interrupt, even when you already know what the child is going to say.
- Make sure your remarks are clearly structured and logical. This helps your
child understand how things are connected.
- Read to your child often so that they begin to associate words with their
designated items and actions.
- Use FM systems whenever possible, at home and in school.
Preparing for the future
When the child reaches school age, you will be faced with decisions
about their education. Look to your Hearing Care Professional and parents of
other children with hearing loss for support and advice. Take some time to talk
to their teachers. Find out whether they are experienced with a child who has
hearing loss. Give them as much information as possible. It is good for you and
the teacher to also inform the other students that your child has a hearing
loss. This can help the other children to understand your child's situation much
better.
