Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Why Are Pediatric Hearing Aid Accessories Important?

Children with hearing loss rely on hearing aids to interact with the world around them. However, these devices often need a little extra help to provide the best hearing experience. Pediatric hearing aid accessories offer numerous benefits:

Enhanced Sound Quality: Accessories can improve the clarity of sound, helping children distinguish speech and other important sounds in various environments.
Reduced Background Noise: Noise reduction accessories can help filter out background noise, allowing children to focus on the sounds they want to hear.
Connectivity: Many accessories enable wireless connectivity, allowing children to connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices for an improved learning and communication experience.
Comfort and Security: Accessories can make hearing aids more comfortable and secure, ensuring they stay in place, even during active play.
Protection: Some accessories provide added protection for hearing aids, safeguarding them against moisture, dirt, or physical damage.

Earmolds and Ear Hooks

Earmolds are custom-made to ensure a secure fit of hearing aids in your child’s ears. These are crucial in pediatric hearing aids as they keep the devices comfortably in place, preventing them from falling out during play or physical activities. Ear hooks are extensions of earmolds, designed to loop around the ear for added security.

Hearing Aid Clips and Headbands

For active children, hearing aid clips and headbands are essential accessories. These keep hearing aids secure, preventing them from getting lost or damaged during playtime.

Streamers and Remote Controls

Streamers and remote controls enable wireless connectivity between your child’s hearing aids and various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and televisions. This technology allows your child to stream audio directly into their hearing aids, ensuring a clear and personalized listening experience. It’s a game-changer for communication, education, and entertainment.

FM Systems

FM systems are often used in schools to improve communication for children with hearing loss. A microphone worn by the teacher transmits sound directly to your child’s hearing aids, reducing background noise and making it easier to understand lessons.

Remote Microphones

Remote microphones provide a portable way to enhance your child’s hearing in challenging listening situations. These microphones can be clipped onto a speaker’s clothing or placed on a table, transmitting their voice directly to your child’s hearing aids.

Batteries and Battery Caddies

For children with non-rechargeable hearing aids, batteries and battery caddies are necessary. It’s crucial to teach your child how to change batteries independently, ensuring their hearing aids continue to work when needed. Teaching your child to change batteries means they won’t run out of power in the middle of the school day.

Dehumidifiers and Dryers

Hearing aids are susceptible to moisture, which can affect their functionality. Dehumidifiers and dryers help keep hearing aids dry and free from moisture-related issues. These devices often use desiccant beads to absorb moisture and ensure your child’s hearing aids are in great condition.

Battery Chargers and Dryer Combo

For rechargeable pediatric hearing aids, battery chargers are a convenient accessory. These chargers eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements, reducing ongoing costs and environmental impact. Some models even combine charging with a drying function, further protecting hearing aids from moisture damage.

Stickers and Accessories for Personalization

Children often enjoy personalizing their hearing aid cases or other accessories. Stickers can be a fun way to decorate their accessories, making them feel special and unique. Personalization helps create a positive attitude toward hearing aids.

Supporting Your Child’s Hearing Journey

Pediatric hearing aids are vital tools for children with hearing loss, but accessories can enhance their effectiveness and comfort. These accessories provide a range of benefits, from improved sound quality to offering ongoing connectivity.

Investing in the right pediatric hearing aid accessories ensures that your child can engage fully in their everyday activities and develop essential communication skills. By exploring these options and consulting with a hearing healthcare professional, you can support your child’s hearing journey and provide them with the best possible hearing experience.