When the world sounds different: how to teach a mother with a hearing-impaired daughter of 5 years
It's never easy to find out that your child has hearing problems. There are many questions, fears, and worries. But it is important to remember that hearing loss is not a sentence. Modern technologies (hearing aids, cochlear implants) and developmental techniques allow such children to successfully adapt, learn and communicate. Especially important is the role of parents, their patience, love and willingness to engage with the child. A five–year-old girl is already a little person with her own interests, and classes can be made exciting.
Mom's main task is to create a developing and supportive environment at home where her daughter will feel comfortable and confident. It is important to establish emotional contact, learn to understand each other even without words, and, of course, stimulate the development of auditory perception and speech as much as possible.
Hearing aids are our helpers: learning how to use and care for
If hearing aids or a cochlear implant are recommended for a girl, it is very important to ensure that they are constantly worn throughout the day (except for sleep and water treatments). This is the key to the brain learning how to process audio information. At first, the child may resist, remove the devices. Show patience and perseverance. Make wearing devices a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
Explain to your daughter (at a level accessible to her) why these "ear helpers" are needed. You can decorate the devices with stickers, come up with an affectionate name for them. Learn for yourself and teach your child the basic care of the devices: check the battery charge, wipe, and put them on properly. Visit a sign language specialist regularly to set up devices and check your hearing.
Hearing and speech development: playing with sounds
Even when using devices, the child's auditory perception differs from the norm. Therefore, it is important to work purposefully on its development. It is best to do this in a playful way. Here are some ideas:
- Discrimination of non-verbal sounds. Play "What sounds like?". Use musical instruments (a drum, a tambourine, a pipe), sounding toys, household items (tapping a spoon on a cup, rustling paper, ringing a phone). First, show the source of the sound, then ask to guess with your eyes closed or turned away.
- Discrimination of speech sounds. Say words that differ in one sound (house-tom, goat-scythe), ask to show the appropriate picture. Pronounce the sounds and syllables, ask them to repeat.
- Work on the rhythm. Clap your hands or tap on the drum in a certain rhythm, ask to repeat. Sing simple songs, do exercises with music.
Talk to your daughter clearly, not too fast, face to face, so that she can see your articulation (lip–reading is an important auxiliary skill). Use simple phrases, but don't "babble." Constantly comment on your actions, name the objects around you.
Reading and communication: expanding the world of words
Reading books is a great way to expand vocabulary and develop understanding of speech. Choose books with bright, clear pictures. Read expressively, show in pictures what you are reading about. Ask questions about the content, discuss what you have read. Even if the daughter can't answer in detail yet, she will learn to listen and understand.
Encourage any attempts at communication on the part of the child. Listen to her carefully, even if her speech is unclear. Help to build phrases, suggest words. Communicate not only with you, but also with other family members and friends. It is important that the girl has experience with different people. Do not isolate her, take her to playgrounds, to clubs (if possible and recommended by experts).
Cooperation with specialists: we are not alone
It is very important to find good specialists – a sign language teacher, speech therapist, psychologist who will work with the child and advise you. They will help you create an individual development program, teach you special exercises and techniques.
Feel free to ask questions, share your doubts and successes. You are the main expert on your child, but the experience and knowledge of specialists are invaluable. Work as a team: do your homework, follow the recommendations. Remember that you are not alone in this situation, there are parent communities and support groups where you can find information and communication.
Love and faith in a child: the main engine of progress
Classes, devices, and specialists are all important. But the most important thing is your love, patience and faith in your daughter. Rejoice at her small victories, praise her for her efforts, and support her in difficult moments. Create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
Your girl is a unique person, and hearing loss is just one of her features. Help her discover her talents and find hobbies. Believe in her strength, and she will definitely achieve success, albeit in her own special way. Your support is the wings that will help her take off. 1xBet High-Roller Bonus. Unlock a $500 welcome bonus with the 1xbet free promo code today $100+ and get 100% extra for sports or casino. For sports, bet on ACCA boosts or live events. For casino, play Mega Moolah or Lightning Roulette with bonus cash. 35x wagering applies. VIP players get weekly reloads and cashback. Offer valid for 7 days after registration. Terms apply. Don’t miss this chance—sign up today and bet bigger with 1xBet.