If you just found out your child has hearing loss, your mind is probably filled with questions — and that’s completely normal. Most parents aren’t sure what the next steps should be, and the world of hearing tests, earmolds, and hearing aids can feel overwhelming at first.
But here’s the good news: once you understand a few basics about child hearing loss and the options available for hearing aids for children, everything becomes much clearer. And at SOUNDLIFE Hearing Center, it’s our job to guide you through all of it without stress.
“Why do hearing test results look different at different hearing centers?”
You’re not imagining it — results can vary a little. And that’s actually quite common. Kids respond differently from day to day, some centers use masking while others don’t, and even slight differences in equipment calibration can affect the outcome.
At SOUNDLIFE Hearing Center, all equipment is calibrated regularly, and our hearing care professionals use consistent, child-friendly testing methods to get the most reliable results possible.
“How loud should my child’s hearing aids be?”
Many parents worry that hearing aids sound too loud — but remember, your child hears very differently from you. The volume they need is based on years of pediatric research using the DSL method, which helps give kids access to softer speech sounds that are important for language learning.
We always check the settings through verified testing, so you can trust that your child’s hearing aids are set safely and correctly.
“Why do the hearing aids sound so loud to me but not to my child?”
If you have normal hearing, amplified sound may feel loud. But for your child, those sounds may be exactly what they need. The hearing aids also have built-in maximum safe output limits based on your child’s test results.
If your child ever shows signs of discomfort — blinking, pulling the aids off, crying at certain sounds — we can easily recheck and adjust everything.
“What causes that high-pitched squealing sound?”
That squeal is called feedback, and it usually means one thing: the earmold doesn’t fit tightly anymore. Kids grow quickly, and their earmolds need to keep up.
Feedback can also happen if the tubing is worn out or the earmold material has hardened. Luckily, all of these are quick fixes.
“How often do we need new earmolds?”
Most young children need new earmolds every 3 months — sometimes sooner during growth spurts.
- Feedback when using normal volume
- Earmold feels loose
- Material looks stiff or discolored
- Tubing looks cracked or cloudy
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time for new molds.
“Does my child really need hearing aids if the hearing loss is mild?”
Yes. Even mild hearing loss can affect language development, learning, attention, and social skills. Research shows that kids with hearing loss greater than 30 dB HL benefit significantly from wearing hearing aids.
“How early can a baby get hearing aids?”
Much earlier than most people think. Newborns can be tested using OAE, ABR, and ASSR, and once we have reliable results, babies can be fitted with pediatric hearing aids within the first few weeks of life.
“Does my child need an FM system?”
FM systems are extremely helpful for school-aged children. They allow the teacher’s voice to go directly into your child’s hearing aids — even in noisy classrooms. This makes lessons easier to follow and reduces listening fatigue throughout the day.
Phonak Sky: One of the Best Hearing Aids for Children Worldwide
If you’re considering hearing aids for your child, you’ve probably seen the name Phonak Sky. It’s one of the most trusted pediatric hearing aid families in the world — and for good reason.
- Designed specifically for children
- Excellent speech clarity even in noise
- Durable and child-proof for active little ones
- Amazing color choices that help kids feel confident
- Connects easily to phones, tablets, and school FM systems