Davis "failed" the school's hearing test for the 6th year in a row. And every year I'm required to get a physician's signature to show that I'm aware of this and what recommendations are given. In the past, the ENTs have told me he can "adapt" which has always frustrated me. Anyway, this year our FAVORITE audiologist really listened to me and answered my questions and suggested Davis get a hearing aid. And Davis's reaction...
"NO WAY!!"
He's so afraid kids will make fun of him and say that he looks like a nerd. I'd like to tell him that kids won't - but I'm not sure if that's true. I really think the hearing aid could make a world of difference for him and was hoping you could give me some suggestions to help convince him to wear one. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars for him to "accidentally" lose it, take it out at school, etc. If you have any ideas or stories that might help please let me know - they'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
21 comments:
So has he "adapted"? Is his schoolwork suffering? Is he able to "function" okay without a hearing aid? Would the benefits of a hearing aid outweigh the negatives?
This reminds me of when I was told I needed to wear glasses in the 8th grade. I had no idea what I wasn't seeing until I wore glasses. I had no idea you were supposed to see things crystal clear until I saw the difference for myself.
I think I would push for the hearing aid. He doesn't know what he's not hearing! He may enjoy the difference enough to not care what other kids say about it! And besides, they make teeny tiny in-the-ear hearing aids that wouldn't be noticable especially with Davis' long hair. I say go for it! You'll never know the difference this may make unless you do it.
I don't think he has adapted and his schoolwork is suffering. I don't know if I can say all of it is because of his hearing loss, but the #1 comment I got from all of his teachers is that he "spaces out" and "is in his own world" but that he's very smart.
And I had the same experience when I got my glasses and told him, but he says that's not the same thing. I'll let him know YOU had the same experience as me.
And they don't give the small hearing aids to kids because they're growing so fast. He will get the hearing aid that goes behind the ear, but they have all different colors now (including the flesh color) and one that's clear and shows all the wiring (which I thought was cool). And you're right - his hair will totally cover it. It's just convincing him of that.
I'm thinking of trying to get it by Christmas break and that'll give him time with it at home first... I don't know how fast things can be done though.
This really is tough. Can they do a "trial run" for him to see if he notices a difference? To finally be able to hear clearly might be the motivation. At this point he probably doesn't know that he's not hearing as well as he could.
I wish I could give you some super good advice, but I have no idea... I had the same experience with glasses, though, that you and Kim had. I'm glad that you finally got some "validation" for all these fears you've been experiencing. It's too bad it took 6 years for them to finally listen to the mom.
No clue. I'm deffering to Sonda.
Do you know Mitch and Nan? Maybe Mitch could talk to him, cuz he's like the coolest guy around and he wears hearing aids.
Great idea Heather. I totally forgot about Mitch wearing hearing aids. Thanks!
My sister's son, Kyle, had major hearing loss very suddenly. He wore hearing aids for a while, then he completely lost all of his hearing. At that point, they did cochlear implants. The implants have an inner portion, but he has magnets inside that connect to large ear pieces that are very obvious. I tell you this not because Davis has the same problems, but because of the results.
My sister was very worried about kids making fun of Kyle. Kyle is 10 right now. Instead, it's been a great learning tool. Kids are more interested in them than making fun of him. They just explain what they're for, and then Kyle is just one of the other kids. He can't wear them playing sports, but he's had understanding coaches that have adapted to him and he loves it! Of course there's difficult days, but they try to focus on the positive and help him feel special instead of different.
Since this is a consistent problem over the years, I would really do something about it. You don't want it to get worse, or cause problems in the future even if you haven't noticed them yet. Plus, the earlier he gets used to them, the easier it will be later on in high school. And the other kids will be used to them too. That's my opinion anyways.
If you want to talk to my sister I'm sure she'd be willing. She's actually staying at my mom's house this weekend, but let me know and I can put you in contact with her.
That is a hard one! Thinking back to when I was his age, I dont think my Mom could convince me otherwise. What first came to mind is his awesome hair...his beautiful curly locks would cover it perfectly and no one would be the wiser?!!
Definitely have him talk to Mitch...and the idea of trying it over Christmas break is a super good one. Have you ran that by him yet?
not to butt in here on this jodi, but my very first thought was Elder Jackson. perhaps he could help Davis see a different side to the hearing aide. most young boys i know usually connect well with cool missionaries, and as far as cool missionaries go, Elder Jackson's one of the coolest. so, that's my thought, maybe invite the elders over for FHE this next week??? have a great Thanksgiving!
Hmmm? Tough one since he is such a "cool" kid! My kids on the other hand would be so excited to have something like that! Marinda misses on the eye test on purpose in hopes that she can wear glasses! :)
One of my best friends had a hearing aid and I didn't even notice it. It was one that is pretty much concealed in the ear canal.
Wow Jodi, that's tough. My sister's friend went through school being labeled as dumb. Then before her mission, she found out she had major hearing loss that had started way back in elementary school. If you can do it, I say try it.
1 word
BRIBERY!!!!
Hi Jodi, I'm assuming that I'm your "favorite" audiologist, not to mention the only one you probably know, ha ha! I just wanted to let you know that it would take two weeks to get everything ready. Good luck!
Perfect timing...as we have Elder Jackson as a Missionary for our ward. We had the missionaries over for dinner last week and he has substantial hearing loss since birth. Maybe you guys could talk to him, as he wears hearing aids and is still super cool!
Katie Rios
Any update? How is the struggle going?
Don't hearing aids fit right inside the ear nowadays? I bet kids would hardly notice. Either way, if it would help him do better in school and open up the world for him, then I'd convince him to give it a try.
What have you decided woman? I know this has been plaguing your mind...maybe you can put it to the back of your thoughts just a bit, while you lay on the beach in Mexico!!! I hope you are having a great time!
Maybe research famous athletes/actors who use hearing aids. There are numerous athletes with disabilities and health issues. Coming from a Spokanite zag fan-Adam Morrison is a great example. He needs to know he won't be limited. Hey I need your address email it to glenoborn@comcast.net.
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