Empowering Kids with Hearing Loss Awareness
Why hearing loss awareness should start with the kids By Kimberley Bradshaw Though the stigma bubble surrounding hearing loss is slowly evaporating, it remains stubborn, there’s still so much more that can and needs to be done. Like with most things we fear and struggle to understand, it’s the neglect of education and, perhaps, unwillingness that is the cause. Such awareness comes from being inspired, thought provoked, spoken to. It takes someone who believes enough to spread the word. Often this word is planting a seed of thought and change, filling in somebody somewhere’s failings – perhaps it should start with the kids? Let’s listen to the voices of our children. For even little people with little minds can nurture big ideas and better attitudes. From learning good listening habits to igniting empathy, they can inspire the next generation and squish this archaic stigma. Why start young? Among the hustle and bustle of our lives, the rise in earbuds, and the cacophony of modern sounds, hearing health often takes a backseat. A crazy realisation when the gift of hearing shapes our interactions, learning, and overall well-being. Whilst you may not be navigating the complexities of hearing loss yourself, the truth is that it is affecting billions worldwide. Therefore, the first (and huge) step towards addressing it begins with our youngest generation. But why bother starting young at all? The latest stats, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), state that over 1.5 billion people in the world live with some form of hearing loss – around 430 million are children and adolescents. Thus, batting away the age-old preconception that hearing loss is only among the elderly – highlighting the need for education about hearing health right from childhood. Empowering through awareness Hearing loss can affect any age and early intervention is vital when it comes to how your ear health pans out in the future. Not identifying and treating hearing problems in children can significantly impact their development and quality of life. As children rely on hearing for speech, socialising, and learning, an undiagnosed loss can cause delayed speech, educational struggles, language development concerns, and social isolation. One of the main causes of hearing loss in children is exposure to loud noises. With the rise of earbuds tucked in young ears and activities involving loud sounds in social spaces, children are increasingly at risk. Educating kids about the dangers of loud noises and the importance of using hearing protection, can reduce the risk dramatically. Knowledge is power, and giving kids the lowdown on how to protect their hearing is simply setting them up for a lifetime of healthy ears. But it’s not all about educating them on protecting their own ears. It runs much deeper than that. Hearing loss can make everyday situations, we often take for granted, more challenging. By teaching kids about hearing loss, we are fostering empathy and understanding in equal measure. Through knowledge, kids can create inclusive friendships, attitudes, and environments where all feel valued and understood. This, in turn, encourages a culture of acceptance and support, hopefully building diverse communities of the future. How can we teach them? This empowerment can all be attained through interactive activities, like games and quizzes – making learning about the topic more fun and engaging. Adding videos and stories with characters who have hearing loss can also nurture a deeper understanding and higher level of empathy. Encouraging open chats about ear health, the right listening habits, regular hearing checks, and how to protect ears sets a positive example. Ensuring that hearing loss awareness is normalised, relatable, and easily accessed. By giving kids the tools and the opportunity to learn more about hearing loss, we can reinforce the message that hearing is worth safeguarding and inclusivity is worth fighting for. Hearing loss awareness starts with the kids. Let them build a world where everyone can thrive and grow, regardless of their auditory abilities. Hearing Aid UK is your gateway to a network of local independent Hearing Aid Dispensers. To find out more visit their website. View our article ‘4 Common Hearing Loss Myths‘.