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2 months, 2 weeks ago by EllaB |
Hi Vicki, just wanted to update you on my older friend with the Downs syndrome son, who I wrote to you about. Following your advice, she asked her GP to refer him to a specialist audiology clinic, and was amazed to discover her local hospital ran one every 4 weeks. She got him an appointment last week and apparently he was seen by two extremely patient people who were very sympathetic and prepared to take a lot of time of time with him. She was delighted because, after much persuasion, they managed to take an ear mould for a hearing aid for him, and he will now be getting his hearing aid in April. She asked me to write to you and say thank you so much for your advice. It really was incredibly useful. Ella |
 2 months, 1 week ago by VickiKirwin |
Thanks EllaB - it is lovely to receive such great feedback and know that with a steer in the right direction people can get access to the right services. Do let us know how your friend's son gets on with his new hearing aid! Vicki |
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2 weeks, 6 days ago by EllaB |
Hi Vicki, It's me again! My friend's son now has his hearing aid, but she is having a terrible time persuading him to wear it. He will put it in his ear for a minute, but then he immediately takes it out. Any suggestions?! Thanks, Ella |
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2 weeks, 4 days ago by VickiKirwin |
Hi EllaB - Some people take to hearing aids very quickly and start to wear them straight away all the time but this is probably less usual and it is more normal that lots of patience and perseverence is needed all round! Firstly, your friend's son will probably have lost his hearing very gradually over a period of time and his brain will have adapted gradually over time to his hearing level. The introduction of a hearing aid is a very sudden change in hearing level and it will take time to get used to this new sound. Secondly, he will be adapting to the physical presence of actually wearing something in the ear. So introduce the hearing aids very gradually. Try just for a short period at a time - maybe aim for 5 minutes in the morning and afternoon. It might help to try at times when he already enjoys listening to something such as the radio or TV (don't forget to turn the volume down to the level used by other family members who have better hearing). Does he have any favourite activities where he might be distracted for longer periods and forget about them and keep them in longer? Don't try using the hearing aids in a noisy environment yet or when there are more than a couple of other people present as they will seem overwhelming. At times when he doesn't want to wear his hearing aids perhaps he could use headphones and get used to having things on/near the ears more of the time. Eventually try and make the hearing aids part of his daily routine - putting them in when getting dressed in the morning and taking out at bedtime. Don't give up - it's still early days and ultimately they will offer great benefits by making communication easier for him and his family. Vicki |
