The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.7 in 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss, and around 15% of school-age children ages six to 19 have hearing loss of at least 16 decibels in one or both ears. If your child is among this population, you may have concerns about their ability to navigate social situations, like during concerts in the courtyard at Boston Museum of Fine Arts. In this post, we provide tips so you can help your child with socialization.
The Early Years
During your child’s infant, toddler and preschool years, you can promote socialization by:
- Scheduling playdates. One of the best ways to improve your child’s social skills, even at a very young age, is to schedule playdates with other kids their age. Playdates with any child will be beneficial, but it may be even more valuable if you can connect with other families impacted by hearing loss. In addition, seeing you interact with your peers and model appropriate behavior can help your child learn to socialize.
- Joining a music class. Experiencing music is an essential part of auditory development. Plus, your child will enjoy participating in class with other children.
- Reading books. It’s well-known that reading together and discussing ideas is beneficial for children’s speech-language development and empathy skills. Reading books that represent your child has the added benefit of helping your child feel less alone.
- Making your home accommodating. The presence of background noise can make it hard for your child to follow along with what you’re saying, even if they wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. When talking with your child and during playdates, try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
The School Years
Once your child is attending school, you can help them navigate social situations by:
- Connecting with other families. Reach out to the parents of your child’s school friends to schedule a time for you all to get together.
- Enrolling them in after-school activities. Whether your child is interested in sports, music, theater, science or any other hobbies, provide them with an outlet to explore their interests and meet with peers who share them.
- Talking to their teachers and coaches. It’s essential to communicate with your child’s teachers and coaches to educate them about your child’s hearing loss and appropriate communication strategies.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Chelmsford Hearing Group today.