Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are electronic, battery-powered devices that amplify sound. There are different styles of hearing aids, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the-Ear (ITE), as well as different technologies. Programming may be fully digital or analog. An audiologist will help you determine what type of hearing aid is best for your child. In some cases, such as with unilateral hearing loss, when a child is deaf or hard of hearing in one ear only, a traditional hearing aid may not be best, and other options can be explored.
Insurance coverage for hearing aids varies exceedingly. It is important for families to know if they have hearing aid coverage through their insurance, and, if not, what other financial resources for hearing aids are available. Minnesota Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services developed the Hearing Aid Legislation Packet for Parents to help families appeal insurance company denials.
It’s very important to understand the warranty coverage for your child’s hearing aids, and to be prepared should you need to use the warranty. Clinics may offer warranties, and extended warranties are available as well. Check with your audiologist for details.
Please see the links below for additional hearing aid information and resources:
- Strategies for Keeping Hearing Aids on Young Children
- Hearing Device Retention Accessory Information – information about different hearing device accessories, including gear, loops, clips, tape, caps, and headbands.
- Hearing Aid Listening Check – includes video and downloadable instructions.
FM Systems
FM amplification systems are often used in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Children and adults of all ages can benefit from the use of FM systems, which helps bring the attended sound source directly into the hearing aid to eliminate excessive background noise, distance, and environmental factors.
More information about FM amplification can be found at Hands & Voices, hearing and amplification at My Baby’s Hearing, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Audiology Information Series: Hearing Assistive Technology.