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These tips have been contributed by other parents, carers and professionals. We hope they will give you some ideas to try, but if you need further help why not post a question on our forums or talk to our resident Audiologist. Also check out our Audiology Info pack
Wig tape for hearing aids
Use wig tape (double-sided sticky tape that is skin-friendly) to stick hearing aids to the back of ears. Cut about 5mm of tape and stick longways down the side of the hearing aid that will face the back of the ear. Then put the hearing aids on and gently press the ear against the tape.
Eczema in Ears/dry skin
Eczema inside his ears was really driving my son crazy, we found olive oil drops helped alleviate his distress.
Framehuggers
My daughter needed to wear an eye patch to correct a squint. We really struggled putting the adhesive patches over her glasses as it made her very distressed. I ordered some framehuggers made to measure fabric patches to fit around the frame. So much easier for us both and looked better too!
Orange-tinted spectacles
My son's iPad is tinted amber (orange) to stop him from having seizures. He also wears orange-coloured ski goggles when in lit-up shopping centers and hospitals etc, as florescent lights affect his eyes. They don't fog, they are plastic and wrap all around and are breathable and comfortable.
Advice for Ophthalmologists
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has published a new chapter in its Ophthalmic Services Guidance offering advice for ophthalmologists on managing the sight of adults with learning disabilities. The aim of the document is to show how simple changes to practice can enhance people's quality of care. www.rcophth.ac.uk
Scholl moleskin
Wearing a hearing aid and glasses can put a lot of pressure on the skin behind the ear, which can get red and sore. We tried so many different types of cushioning/padding, but they were unsightly or wouldn't stay in place. Then we found Scholl self adhesive moleskin. It's meant for shoes, so it stays firmly in place, but can easily be cut to size and stuck on the inside arm of the glasses. It's soft enough to reduce the friction but it's also beige so it doesn't stand out. Available from most pharmacies.
Removing sleep
Removing the sleep from my son's eyes can be difficult as he often struggles and it gets stuck to his cheek. I use kitchen roll and water to dislodge it, and then put a dab of vaseline on my finger to soften it and remove it from his face. I have to be careful not to get fingers near his eye and causing an eye infection though.
Hearing aids
Our daughter (2 years old) wears hearing aids in both ears but the moulds always fell out, if you rub a small amount of vaseline onto the moulds, making sure its just a small amount as not to block them, it helps them to stick into the ears for longer.
Eye tests
It is so easy to miss out taking some one with disabilities for an eye test, it happens much too often. Fifty percent of dyslexics are misdiagnosed. They actually just have a visual issue. Take the test, visit www.irlen.com. Often a pair of glasses can correct the entire problem! My old childhood friend tried this and called me in tears last night, because it changed her life. This was just discovered by her yesterday, at age 39.
Hearing tests
It is recommended that people with learning disabilities should have their hearing tested at least every 5 years. Many children may present with speech delay and this may be hindered by deficits with sight or hearing.
Nipple tape
Rob was given a cochlear implant which had a coil that had to stay on his head. We spent 18 very painful months replacing this coil up to 200 times a day, as he did not want to wear it. Then someone told me to buy nipple tape from Claire's accessories (designed for bra-less see-through outfits!). It has changed our lives. The coil stays on ALL day.
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