5 Ways to Help Your Child With Hearing Loss
4. Explore Sounds With Your Child
Hearing sounds and speech from an early age will help your child develop language. Find simple ways to add sounds to their day:
- Play games with your baby that teach imitation, like peekaboo, pat-a-cake, and the itsy-bitsy spider. These games teach your baby about taking turns when talking.
- Talk about the things you’re doing. For example, "We’re driving to grandma’s house," or "Daddy is washing the dishes."
- Read to your child. Describe the pictures as you go. As your child gets older, ask him to point to the pictures as you name them. Or ask your child to name the pictures.
5. Speak Up for Your Child
You know what's best for your child. If something in your plan isn’t working, let your team know. They should work with you to meet the goals you’ve set for your child. And if not, look for providers who will.
"Being involved with your child’s care is one of the best things you can do to help your child succeed," says Houston. "So don’t be afraid to fight for what your child needs, and to ask lots of questions along the way."