I have an 11 year old with hearing loss and need advice

Minnie - posted on 05/08/2012

ABSOLUTELY. My son, now 10 about to turn 11, was diagnosed with acute "hearing loss" at age 6 and I was told that hearing aids were not necessary. My son, lost some of the most important learning years, because he couldnt hear. His reading skills were affected because what he heard, was not what was being pronounced. So don't hesitate in asking questions. Take him to a hearing specialist. Schools have competent people, but even getting a second opinion wouldnt hurt. Good luck to you, and make sure that you're satisfied with the answers you are getting, if not, keep searching even if you have to go to a million "specialists"

Karrie - posted on 04/02/2012

Hi Melissa, Thank-you for your response. In my state in order for a child to qualify for a sevice there has to be an adverse affect that is shown on a report card or by issues such as behavior problems. Ryan is very smart and has found ways to adapt. If the other kids can't understand him after he repeats himself he will give them the definition to the word he is trying to use or just use another word. Also because when he reads aloud in school the other kids don't tease im or point out that they can't understand him I am told that it does not affect him enough to warrant services. Ryan goes into middle school next year and I am very nervous that when he is put in a class with kids that he hasn't grown up with that they will tease him.

Ryan chose to have blue hearing aids and red earmolds . At first he liked them but now he does not like the fact that people stare. I tell him that they are just curious but this doesn't seem to help.

I think that the pen pal idea is a great one. Until a couple of months ago Ryan was the only child in the school with hearing aids. There is now a 6 year old in the school that has them. I think that knowing of a child his own age with hearing aids would be very helpful.



Karrie

Melissa - posted on 03/30/2012

Hello. I also have an 11year old son with hearing loss. His is moderate to severe. I am surprised you are having such difficulties getting him services. http://www.hearingloss.org/ is a good website, also http://www.agbell.org/. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ear... has some tips, suggestions about speech. I would push your pediatrician or family doctor about looking for causes such as development delays or learning disabilities.



Also tell him not to be embarrassed about hearing aids or speech issues. Lots of children are like him including my son. Charles is the only kid in his grade with hearing aids at times it bothers him, but mostly it doesn't anymore. Hearing aids and molds can come in a variety of colors right now his are blue. That can help make them feel better. There are transparent molds and hearing aids that can "hide" them better. If you son ever wants a pen pal to talk to about these things Charles would love to help!.