Hearing loss in children is more common than many parents realize. Studies show that around 5% of newborns and nearly 20% of high-risk babies are prone to developing hearing loss. While some children are born with congenital hearing loss, others may develop it later due to infections, medications, genetic conditions, or prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Because hearing plays a critical role in speech, language, and social development, early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential. If you suspect that your child might have difficulty hearing, it is important to consult an Audiologist right away.
A key part of early intervention is the pediatric hearing aid fitting process. Here is a detailed breakdown of what parents can expect during each stage.
Understanding the Pediatric Hearing Aid Fitting Process
1. The Initial Appointment: Hearing Evaluation
The paediatric hearing care journey begins with a comprehensive hearing test. During this appointment, the Audiologist will:
- Assess the type and degree of your child’s hearing loss
- Explain the results in parent-friendly terms
- Recommend appropriate amplification options (hearing aids), if required
If hearing aids are prescribed, the Audiologist will guide you through choosing the right model based on your child’s hearing needs, age, comfort, and lifestyle requirements.
Early detection ensures children do not experience delays in speech, language, or learning milestones, making this step extremely important.
2. Preparing for the Hearing Aid Fitting
Before the fitting appointment, the Audiologist may evaluate whether your child requires custom ear molds. If so:
- Ear impressions are taken during the initial appointment
- Custom molds are prepared and ready by the fitting session
- These molds ensure a secure fit and proper amplification
If ear tips or domes are used instead of molds, the Audiologist will choose the correct size, shape, and material for your child’s comfort.
3. The Hearing Aid Fitting Session: What Happens?
The hearing aid fitting is one of the most important and emotional stages—especially if it may be your child’s first time hearing clearly.
During the session, the Audiologist will:
i) Fit the Hearing Aids
- Attach the hearing aids to the ear molds or domes
- Insert them gently into your child’s ear canal
- Ensure the seal is proper to prevent sound leakage
ii) Run Audibility Checks
The Audiologist presents:
- Different speech sounds
- Soft and loud environmental sounds
- Parent’s voice cues
This helps confirm that the child is receiving adequate amplification across frequencies.
Many parents find this moment memorable—especially when a child reacts to their voice for the first time.
iii) Adjust and Fine-Tune
Based on your child’s feedback (or behavioural responses for younger children), the Audiologist will:
- Modify gain levels
- Adjust sound quality
- Ensure comfort and clarity
This entire session may last a few hours, and parents are encouraged to be patient and reassuring.
4. Parent Education: Learning About the Hearing Aids
Paediatric hearing aid fittings are not just about devices—they are also about empowering parents.
During the appointment, the Audiologist will explain:
- Different parts and features of the hearing aid
- How to switch them on/off
- How to replace batteries or charge them
- Daily cleaning and care
- Troubleshooting common issues
You will also receive a hearing aid wearing schedule to help your child gradually adjust to full-day use.
Speech therapy is often recommended after the fitting to support language and listening development.
5. Follow-Up Appointments: Ensuring Continued Progress
Before the session ends, a follow-up appointment is scheduled. Follow-up visits help:
- Check whether the hearing aids are functioning well
- Address any discomfort the child might feel
- Fine-tune settings based on real-world listening
- Monitor progress in hearing and speech development
If at any point your child shows signs of discomfort, does not respond to sounds, or you suspect the hearing aids are not working optimally, you should contact the Audiologist immediately.
Final Thoughts
A paediatric hearing aid fitting is a crucial milestone in your child’s hearing and communication journey. With early diagnosis, appropriate amplification, and continuous support, children with hearing loss can achieve remarkable progress in speech, learning, and overall development.
At HearFon, our paediatric audiologists ensure that every step – from evaluation to fitting to follow-up – is gentle, child-friendly, and guided by evidence-based care.
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