# data[].attributes.body
Why is retention important and parent surveys

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fear of losing your hearing aids can be stressful and can lead people to either not wear their hearing devices at all, or disengage from an activity that they enjoy to avoid losing their devices.

This is true for any age, from babies to seniors who wear hearing aids:

Parents who have babies and children with hearing aids find it very frustrating to keep the devices on their children's ears, especially when they are being active, which is almost all waking hours.

Adults who enjoy activities such as biking, running, tennis, or other sports, decide that they must leave their hearing aids at home, or no longer participate in the activity.

Seniors who live in assisted living facilities or are in and out of rehab centers stop wearing their hearing aids in fear they will be lost in the facility.

Hearing aids are meant to be worn all day and improve quality of life, not hinder it.

Just because you wear hearing aids, does not mean that you can't live an active lifestyle, or have to live in fear that the devices will be lost.

There are many accessories available to help keep hearing aids on the ears. One way might not be the best way for everyone, so it is important that you experiment with a few and see which one works best. Hearing aid retention clips, straps, and bands can attach hearing aids to your clothing, glasses, hair, or each other to prevent them from being lost, or broken.

We have rounded up the best hearing aid retention clips and accessories for you to choose from below.

Upgrading your hearing aids is easier than you may think. Our online tool can match you with trusted hearing centers in your area offering the latest in hearing aid tech.

Best hearing aid clips for babies

While babies aren't as active as toddlers, the challenge with keeping hearing aids on their ears is the fact that their ears are so small and they are being moved from car seat to stroller to crib to changing table.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids on babies are the Ear Suspenders

Silicone lined hearing aid and cochlear implant grips and headband allows for a comfortable and adjustable fit.

Type of retention: Silicone headband

Colors: 13 options

Compatibility: RIC, BTE, or cohlear implants

Who are they for: Babies and toddlers

Hearing aid clips for toddlers

Once babies become toddlers they are very active and hearing aids can easily come off at this stage. Not only that, but many toddlers think that grabbing their hearing aids (or anything within reach) and throwing it across the room is a really fun game.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids on toddlers are Kids Clips

In addition to safely keeping your child's hearing aids in place, you can add some fun and personality to their devices by letting them choose which character to use.

Type of retention: Cord with clip attachment

Colors: Critter, dino, or sea clip characters available

Compatibility: BTE models

Best for: Babies and toddlers

An alternative option for kids clips is from thebebopshop https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebebopshop/items. Get anything from princesses to superheros to cartoon characters on your clips.

Hearing aid clips for school-age children

It can be a challenge to get school-aged children to want to wear their hearing aids. One way to motivate young children to wear their hearing devices is to make it fun to wear them using hearing aid decorations. Another challenge is that the level of activity for school-aged children is usually very high, so finding a hearing aid clip that's going to stand the test of sports and dance classes can be a challenge.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids on school-age children are Ear Gear

Water resistant spandex nylon sleeves that protect hearing aids from dirt, sweat, and moisture, but also have a corded option that prevent hearing aid loss for all types of models. Also includes an eye glass attachment option.

Type of retention: Cord with clip attachment, glasses option

Colors: 8 options

Compatibility: Compatible with RIC, BTE, Cochlear Implant, Baha and ITE models

Best for: All ages

Hearing aid clips for adults

Adult hearing aid wearers are now making the choice to wear hearing aids, but they may feel like they need to leave their hearing aids at home when they're being active for fear of losing them outside or at the gym. In order to stay active, a hearing aid clip is a good idea to prevent losing your hearing devices.

Please note that while some of the images below may show children or teenagers in the picture, the products are also suitable for adults. We just didn't have access to any other images for this article.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids on adults are SafeNSound Strapz

Attaches hearing aids or cochlear implants together without attaching to clothing.

Type of retention: Behind-the-head strap attaching devices together
Colors: 6 options
Compatibility: RIC, BTE, or cohlear implants
Who are they for: All ages

Hearing aid clips for seniors

Many senior living residents wear (or need) hearing aids and it can be difficult for the staff to keep track of everyone's devices. These devices are often lost in the facility and can cause a lot of conflict between the residents/families and the caregivers.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids on seniors are Otoclips

A cost-effective solution for preventing the loss of your hearing aids by connecting a cord from your hearing aids to the wearer's clothing. Designed for both monaural or binaural hearing aids.

Type of retention: Cord with clip attachment, glasses options
Colors: Clear or colored options available
Compatibility: Compatible with RIC, BTE, and ITE models
Best for: All ages

Hearing aid clips for glasses

For those people that wear hearing aids and glasses, it can be a struggle to keep track of everything. The way to do this best is to attach the eyeglasses and the hearing aids together. Not only does it keep them more secure, but it reduces the chance of them being lost.

Our #1 pick for keeping hearing aids attached to glasses are SafeNSound Duo

A one size fits all way to attach hearing aids and eyeglasses together

Type of retention: Eyeglass attachment
Colors: Black
Compatibility: RIC, BTE, or cohlear implants
Who are they for: All ages with glasses

Some other hearing aid retention options

Another way to keep hearing aids on tiny ears is with wig or surgical tape. These tapes are designed for use on skin, making them the best choice for keeping hearing aids behind the ears. Attach one side of the tape to the inside of the behind-the-ear hearing aid, and the other side will attach behind the ear, keeping it in place all day in the midst of heavy activity.

Wig tape.

Surgical tape. 3M Surgical tape is latex free and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin and gentle on the skin for elderly patients.

Hearing device decorations

We've also written a lot about some of the best options for hearing device decorations. While, all the options on this list aren't retention devices, you may find a few work better for your specific situation. Check out our list here.

A few final thoughts

Keep in mind that your audiologist is a good person to talk to about your needs with hearing aid retention and they may have some sample clips to try.

"your audiologist...may have some sample clips to try."

Also, if you have one of the new Made for iPhone hearing aids, you can utilize the app feature that will help you to find your hearing aids if they do become lost. The "find my hearing aid" feature of these devices will allow you to see your hearing aids on a map to locate where you lost them.

There are many options available to give you peace of mind about losing your hearing aids. Don't worry!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Best Hearing Aid Clips and Accessories to Prevent Losing Your Hearing Aid - Everyday Hearing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fear of losing your hearing aids can be stressful and can lead people to either not wear their hearing devices at all, or disengage from an activity that they enjoy to avoid losing their devices.

# data[].attributes.body
What works for your child is what makes the choice right

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hands & Voices is a parent driven, non-profit organization dedicated to providing unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing

# data[].attributes.body
Resources for improving the
outcomes of children with hearing loss

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss |

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Education Materials For Deaf Students- Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide professional educational materials for deaf students or students with hard of hearing. Find out more about Hearing loss students Study Materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Here at AG Bell we are working globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and speak.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here at AG Bell we are working globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and speak. We are here to provide support, information, resources and more to help guide you on your journey.

We want all families to be informed and supported, professionals to be appropriately qualified to teach and help children with hearing loss, public policy leaders to effectively address the needs of people with hearing loss, and communities to be empowered to help their neighbors with hearing loss succeed.

Whether you are a parent who has just learned that your child has hearing loss, or you are a young person with hearing loss yourself, there are many others in our community like you. Welcome to AG Bell.

# data[].attributes.body
Our vision : All deaf children, young people and adults have the opportunity to hear, communicate and develop spoken language using the latest technological interventions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Ear Foundation | Cochlear Implants, Bone Anchored Hearing Implants and Hearing Aids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Ear Foundation - bridging the gap between clinic-based services, where today's exciting hearing technologies, such as cochlear implants & bone conducting hearing implants are fitted, and home, school and work where they are used in daily life.

# data[].attributes.body
from Oticon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Empower your child

Besides lots of patience, love and reassurance, it is important to raise your child like a hearing child as much as possible. They need responsibilities within the family; on equal terms with their siblings, and they need the freedom to participate in activities without you.

The healthy development of skills and social competencies depends on us experiencing both successes and failures in life, and not least receiving the support to handle them, so that we can learn from them. Many parents of children with hearing loss find it difficult to maintain a balance between protecting and expecting. It is very important to prepare the child for the real world by setting a good example and making fair demands. Children need to become strong, independent, self-reliant adults - despite a physical impairment.

An important part of raising a child with hearing loss is also engaging them to take responsibility for their hearing loss, because this is key to motivating them to wear their hearing aids. One example could be to help them understand why they are wearing hearing aids and involve them in how hearing aids work.

Read about the importance of sound

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Raising a child with hearing loss | Oticon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Besides lots of patience, love and reassurance, it is important to raise your child like a hearing child as much as possible. They need responsibilities within the family; on equal terms with their siblings, and they need the freedom to participate in activities without you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thanks to a wide choice of Phonak hearing aids and wireless communication accessories, there's a solution for every child.

# data[].attributes.body
Adaptive compression (speech guard E) and Amigo FM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Children are busy growing and learning. They experience a huge range of sound environments every day, and their ability to understand speech wherever they are is vital to their development and confidence. Unique to Oticon's speech processing features inside, Sensei preserves the fine details of sound that help your child perceive speech clearly, naturally and distinctly.

Sensei is designed for child development and adapts to provide optimized hearing for any child with hearing loss, in whatever environments they participate in - school, sport, hobbies or play. The array of advanced, automatic and coordinated systems - such as complex signal processing, adaptive directionality, noise management and feedback cancellation systems - give your child speech intelligibility in any listening situation. Thanks to BrainHearing™ technologies, your child is able to develop their auditory systems as naturally as possible, minimizing their cognitive load. Oticon Sensei offers you peace of mind at every step of your child's journey to adulthood.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hearing aids for kids & children | Oticon Sensei

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children are busy growing and learning. They experience a huge range of sound environments every day, and their ability to understand speech wherever they are is vital to their development and confidence. Unique to Oticon's speech processing features inside, Sensei preserves the fine details of sound that help your child perceive speech clearly, naturally and distinctly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ReSound Up Smart - hearing aids for children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for hearing aids to children? ReSound Up Smart is designed to children and adapts to the way children live today!

# data[].attributes.body
Infant custom, in situ RECD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hearing aids for children - Widex for professionals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Widex we do also fabricate hearing aids for children! Click here to read more about our pediatric hearing aids!

# data[].attributes.body
The Foundation’s goal is to make the world a better place for all Deaf people and their families. Through partnerships, we will provide resources that empower Deaf individuals to achieve their dreams

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In June, the National ASL & English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education (NASLECE) held the inaugural "Assessing a Deaf Child's ASL" workshop in Washington, DC. The three-day workshop featured seven presenters from the fields of linguistics, bilingual education, visual language and learning, and family language policy; and was attended by twenty-two practitioners from 15 [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In June, the National ASL & English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education (NASLECE) held the inaugural "Assessing a Deaf Child's ASL" workshop in Washington, DC. The three-day workshop featured seven presenters from the fields of linguistics, bilingual education, visual language and learning, and family language policy; and was attended by twenty-two practitioners from 15 [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
laurent clerc national deaf education center

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This Info to Go document discusses American Deaf culture values, behaviors, and traditions.

# data[].attributes.body
The Importance of Deaf Culture

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Members of the Deaf community in America use a different language-literally. Not only does their language-American Sign Language (ASL)-connect them to others who are Deaf, it also serves as a membership card into a linguistic subculture of our society that not everyone is privileged to enjoy.

Breaking down stigmas

Rich communication doesn't have to be
verbal.

One of the ways the Deaf distinguish themselves as a culture is by capitalizing the word Deaf and working to change mainstream America's attitude. The Deaf culture doesn't believe in using the word "disabled" because that word makes implies "less than"-as though they are lacking something. By removing the label, they are also removing any stigma that might be attached.

"It's about perspective," Deaf advocate Eileen O'Banion said. "When you are Deaf, you see the world in a different way. You communicate differently. You seek out others who are Deaf because they understand you. You don't believe you have a disability-and you don't want to be fixed."

In fact, some advocates even speak about "Deaf gain," a communication advantage afforded to those who must use means other than verbal language. The idea is that deaf people have more meaningful and intentional connection because they cannot hear.

Tough choices around cochlear implants

Meghan Watt lost her hearing after contracting HIB meningitis at the age of two. A conversation with a middle high school teacher piqued her interest in cochlear implant (CI) surgery, even though she admits she wasn't always keen on the idea. Today, she has bilateral cochlear implants.

Meghan is aware there is controversy among certain factions of the Deaf community regarding cochlear implants and is comfortable with the choices she's made. "Some don't approve of CIs and that's that," she explained matter-of-factly. "If they're happy being Deaf, that's great. That's their decision. I like being able to hear what's going on around me."

Some members of the Deaf community are opposed to cochlear implant surgery-especially for infants who are born without hearing. They believe every person deserves the right to choose for themselves whether they want to remain Deaf and encourage parents to begin teaching ASL as the baby's first language. Some activists believe learning language and cognitive development through ASL is a basic human right that should be protected and that choosing cochlear implants steers families away from learning ASL and embracing Deaf culture.

Audism and oralism

Nine out of 10 Deaf infants are born to hearing parents. Many of those parents choose cochlear implant surgery as soon as they are medically able because it helps their child with speech development.

But the Deaf culture believes mainstream hearing America puts too much emphasis on the spoken word. They maintain ASL is a complete language, even though they don't produce words with their mouths and voices.

Some activists talk about audism-an attitude of superiority based on an ability to hear-and oralism-advocacy or use of the oral method of teaching Deaf students to speak. Audism and oralism, activists maintain, degrade ASL and interfere with the Deaf person's ability to develop speech and listening skills.

"Deaf culture is important because it allows individuals to be who they are," O'Banion explained, "and live in a way that is unique to them. There's more to a person than whether or not they can hear, so don't just focus on their ears."

American Sign Language (ASL)

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), ASL is a complete, complex language consisting of signs made by the hands, facial expressions and body language. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) calls ASL the "backbone of the American Deaf culture."

"Many who are not familiar with ASL think it's English and hand gestures," O'Banion said. "It's not. Signing is different between countries and regions, much like the spoken word is different between countries and regions."

While the origins of sign language are not clear, most agree that it began almost 200 years ago and has been evolving ever since. Like modern language, sign language has different accents, rhythms, rules for pronunciation, word order and grammar. The language is so complex, some members of Deaf culture say they can identify when a person learned ASL simply by observing the way they sign.

How to communicate with a Deaf person

Fortunately, you don't need to know ASL in order to know how to communicate with a Deaf person. According to a tip sheet developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology, one of the country's premiere learning institutions for the Deaf, there are five guidelines to remember when communicating with the Deaf.

1. Acknowledge the fact that your first attempts to communicate will feel awkward and uncomfortable. This will pass as your interaction progresses.

2. It's OK to use paper and pen. In fact, the Deaf person will appreciate your efforts even more if you use a combination of communication methods, such as hand gestures, facial expressions and the written word.

3. Take the time to communicate and connect. Deaf people consider communication an investment of time and effort. Slow down, take your time and ask for clarification if you need it.

4. Understand that Deaf people listen with their eyes. Vision is the most useful tool they have to communicate and receive information. For this reason, only speak when you have eye contact, even if they are using an interpreter. Maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect.

5. Use the beginning and ending of a conversation as an opportunity to make physical and visual contact with the Deaf person, especially if they have been using an interpreter during your conversation. Smile, shake hands, touch their arm (if appropriate) and make eye contact.

More: Top universities for Deaf students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Deaf culture and community: Why it is important

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Members of the Deaf community in America use a different language-literally. Not only does their language-American Sign Language (ASL)-connect them to others who are Deaf, it also serves as a membership card into a linguistic subculture of our society that not everyone is privileged to enjoy.

# data[].attributes.body
from Oticon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many parents believe that hearing aids will restore their child's hearing. Unfortunately, they cannot. But they can help improve your child's quality of life and they are critical to learning. With today's technology, children can be fitted with hearing aids within the first few crucial weeks or months after birth.

We learn throughout our lives. From the moment we are born, we learn by observing and imitating our parents, family and friends. Later on, as we attend school, get a job and lead active lives, we continue the learning process. Children with hearing loss can live lives that are just as full and productive as other children. They just need additional support when learning.

The first step to using hearing aids
In order to develop full, rich, verbal language, children must be able to tune into the speech sounds around them. It is critical to be able to hear as much as possible during all waking hours. Just as you rely on light in order to move around confidently and fully understand and enjoy all of the activities going on around you, your child relies on their hearing aids to help them get the most from their surroundings to support their language development.

Helps development of essential brain structures
Even children with mild or minimal hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, because the amplified sound produces stimulation and supports growth of the auditory centers of the brain. These brain structures are best developed and become most interconnected when a child is very young. This is important for a child's vocabulary: Often a child's vocabulary quadruples between his first and second birthday. Which is why it is important to get hearing aids as early as possible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why hearing is important for children's development | Oticon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many parents believe that hearing aids will restore their child's hearing. Unfortunately, they cannot. But they can help improve your child's quality of life and they are critical to learning. With today's technology, children can be fitted with hearing aids within the first few crucial weeks or months after birth.

# data[].attributes.headline
Illinois Telecommunications  Access Corporation

# data[].attributes.subject
Illinois Telecommunications  Access Corporation

# data[].attributes.body
Free relay phone service for deaf and deaf-blind

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home Page | Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Illinois law requires all landline, cellular phone companies, and most Cable and VoIP phone companies to provide telephone access for people who are Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Speech Disabled. ITAC is the not-for-profit corporation established to provide a Free Equipment Program and Illinois Relay on behalf of these phone companies.

# data[].attributes.body
Free training, onsite assistance and resources for parents and educators of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ISRC provides free training, onsite assistance and resources for parents and educators of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired. ISRC team members visit homes and schools to work with families and educators in developing positive behavior support plans for DHH or VI students in need of intensive level supports.

# data[].attributes.body
Music fidelity and speech resolution

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
AB's superior technology is designed to allow your pediatric patients to hear their best in the real world providing the closest to normal hearing of any cochlear implant. Your patients can hear all the details necessary to develop clear, strong speech patterns and excel academically like their normal-hearing peers.

# data[].attributes.body
for parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Trust in a hearing implant system and its manufacturer is one of the most important factors for parents of children with hearing loss. Made with quality, to be an every-day solution to fit your child's unique hearing needs, MED-EL hearing implants offer the best hearing performance for your child's active future.

# data[].attributes.body
Making the most of your child's

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Making the Most of Your Child's Cochlear Implant

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A cochlear implant is a technical "tool" for your child’s hearing. Success with this tool depends on many factors and age of implantation is only one factor influencing the benefit your child will receive from a cochlear implant.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A cochlear implant system is an electronic device that can restore hearing for those with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Find out how a cochlear implant works, and how it could help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hearing Solutions - Cochlear™ - Pediatric Journey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are more hearing loss solutions for your child today than ever before, and selecting the most appropriate hearing technology is critical to your child's hearing success. You will work closely with an audiologist to determine the best solution for your child today and as the hearing loss changes over time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hearing Solutions - Cochlear™ - Pediatric Journey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are more hearing loss solutions for your child today than ever before, and selecting the most appropriate hearing technology is critical to your child's hearing success. You will work closely with an audiologist to determine the best solution for your child today and as the hearing loss changes over time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hearing implants for children | Cochlear

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you have a child with hearing loss, click here to learn why it might be the right time to consider a hearing implant.

# data[].attributes.body
Adhesive non-implant

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ADHEAR - The novel hearing system revolutionizing the concept of bone conduction

# data[].attributes.body
Transducer is implanted, no feedback

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BONEBRIDGE is an ear implant that uses bone conduction to bring sound straight to your inner ear, ensuring natural sound quality for those with conductive or mixed hearing loss.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children and assistive listening devices | MED-EL Cochlear Implants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Considerations for children with cochlear implants using assistive listening devices | MED-EL Cochlear Implants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Products with Roger technology | PhonakPro

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Roger has been scientifically proven to help hearing aid users understand up to 62% more speech in noise and over distance than people without hearing loss.

# data[].attributes.headline
How children with hearing loss learn language

# data[].attributes.subject
How children with hearing loss learn language

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How People with Hearing Loss Learn Language | CDC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
People with hearing loss and their families often need special skills to be able to learn language and communicate.

# data[].attributes.body
words, phrases, sentences, speech, school success, social skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hearing is important to speech and language development and to learning. Audiologists can check your child's hearing and help with any problems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MED-EL USA, Durham, NC, has launched its first-ever book for speech and hearing professionals and bilingual families of children with hearing loss. Dual-Language Learning for Children with Hearing Loss is being released this week during the 2014 AG Bell Convention.

"Increasing numbers of hearing and speech professionals are finding themselves working with children who have hearing loss and come from linguistically diverse backgrounds. Clinicians may be faced with the challenge of helping families who do not speak the majority language," says the book's author, Michael Douglas, MA, who is currently principal of the Mama Lere Hearing School in the Bill Wilkerson Center at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.

Research has shown that encouraging minority language development neither impairs a child with hearing loss nor prevents him or her from learning the majority language in the presence of adequate speech perception and an effective immersion process. As long as a child with hearing loss can demonstrate adequate speech perception within the first few years of life using the latest hearing technology, families can take advantage of their child's critical learning period with the help of appropriate identification and special intervention procedures to develop bilingualism.

"We now have, more than ever, a unique opportunity to improve services for families who do not speak a majority language or speak more than one language and want a bilingual outcome for their children with hearing loss. I hope this book helps professionals enhance their practice[s] and even inspire others to contribute to a much needed body of resources on this topic," Douglas adds.

" Dual-Language Learning provides both the knowledge and tools for practitioners to have a successful experience, even if they speak a different language than their clients," says Darla Franz, MA, vice president of education and corporate communication, MED-EL USA. "Professionals who serve a culturally and linguistically diverse population now have a resource that helps integrate education for children with hearing loss with the needs of all of their families."

Dual-Language Learning was developed to assist professionals with issues surrounding assessment and intervention for children with hearing loss who are culturally and linguistically diverse. It also provides a guideline for administrators in developing a program for bilingual children. The book is relevant for clinicians providing individual intervention or for group settings such as preschools or schools.

Author Michael Douglas, MA, is a speech-language pathologist and a certified auditory-verbal therapist. He received his BA in speech-language pathology and MA from the University of North Texas. He has contributed to several peer review publications on this issue and has been an adjunct instructor at The University of Houston from 2010 to 2012.
Source: MED-EL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Publication: Dual-Language Learning for Children with Hearing Loss - Hearing Review

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MED-EL USA, Durham, NC, has launched its first-ever book for speech and hearing professionals and bilingual families of children with hearing loss. Dual-Language Learning for Children with Hearing Loss is being released this week during the 2014 AG Bell Convention.

# data[].attributes.headline
Baby Hearing - Activities for Language Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Baby Hearing - Activities for Language Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Language and Learning - My Baby's Hearing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Important information about early intervention, communication development and opportunities for nurturing language development.

# data[].attributes.body
On being a teen with hearing loss

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
According to my mom, as soon as I got home she took me onto our back porch, where a bird was singing. I had never heard that noise before, and the sound intrigued me. My mom says I sat on the porch for hours that day, taking in my new world. Little did I know that technology would change my life, with each new advancement.

I'm 16 years old, now, and a junior in high school. If I were to tell you that life with hearing loss is as simple as I mentioned above, I'd be lying. Living with a disability is a journey. There are lessons to learn, challenges to overcome, and situations to adapt to; but most of all, experiences to enjoy. High school taught me all of this.

Now Hear This... Not

My parents decided to send me to a private high school. Everyone there was very friendly, and the administration bought me a new FM system. The staff was eager to learn what they could do, and they were always ready to help me. There were things I had to get used to, though. This was the first time that I didn't have a speech therapist at school, or an expert to go to with hearing problems I might encounter. The biggest shock I had was that I was the only hearing-impaired student in the school. Life went on, however, and became as normal as normal can be for a student with hearing loss.

One day I heard a bit of static in my ear from my FM system. It went as quickly as it came, so I didn't think much of it. Then, I started to get feedback in my other classes to the point where I heard static all day. I eventually asked my audiologist what I should do. She showed me how to change the channels on my FM system and it was a miracle! But, then I started getting static again. Despite how much I would change the channel, there were no static-free frequencies.

I learned to accept it, but I had to work even harder to keep up with my classmates. I would study for hours trying to fill in the missing gaps from the lesson. I paid extra hard attention in class, so I could lip read! Despite all the extra challenges I got good grades, so I was okay with the way things were-for the most part.

Yet, there were still things I couldn't control. My biggest obstacle was my Spanish II class. While I excelled at the writing and reading part of class, listening and speaking? Well, those weren't really my forte. I dreaded my listening quizzes because the static interference made them nearly impossible. I remember listening to the quiz prompt one day, and getting interference pretty much the whole time. I was used to this, so I did my best to complete the quiz. My teacher told me later that I got a D on my quiz, and mentioned how unlike me that was. To say I was upset would be an understatement. I explained my issues to her, and she let me retake the quiz.

¡Hola Roger!

[stextbox id="black" float="true" align="right" width="400″]

I was amazed how easy learning became, once I was able to hear well!

[/stextbox]

A bit into my junior year I got a call from my audiologist. She said that Phonak had a new, wireless microphone system, called Roger, which just might solve my problems. My parents bought it for me. I would be the first to use Roger in Columbus, Ohio! I was excited to try it, but didn't really give the whole thing a lot of thought. The next day at school I gave the new transmitter to my teacher, and took a seat. Class started and I seriously felt as if I were dreaming! I had no interference AT ALL! My teacher's words were so clear. I almost asked my friend to pinch me. It was too good to be true.

I was amazed how easy learning became, once I was able to hear well. I am naturally a shy person, but I started to participate more in class. Before, discussions had always been foggy, and I was always trying to piece together the classroom conversation puzzle. Now that I could hear, however, I was less self-conscious and didn't mind answering questions. My teachers started to notice. One questioned me about it. I realized that because I could hear clearly, I had become less afraid to let teachers know when I needed help with things. I started talking to my classmates more about my Roger mic, and asked them use it so I could hear during group discussions.

When my next listening quiz rolled around, it was so clear! I could hear perfectly. I was amazed when I got my quiz back to find a big "100%" scribbled across the top. I was in shock! Like they did in Spanish, my grades in other classes started to get better, too. Technology had once again changed my life.
That day when I sat on my porch listening to a bird sing seems like a long time ago. I am almost a senior in high school now, and looking forward to the next chapter in my life-college. I may not know what that will hold, but at least I know that now, thanks to technology's advancements, I will have the equipment to help me be the most successful person I can be.

Annie has started a conversation for teens in the HearingLikeMe forums. You can check it out here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
On Being a Teen with Hearing Loss - Hearing Like Me

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
According to my mom, as soon as I got home she took me onto our back porch, where a bird was singing. I had never heard that noise before, and the sound intrigued me. My mom says I sat on the porch for hours that day, taking in my new world.

# data[].attributes.body
Informational resource for teens to read

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Can I Prevent Hearing Loss? (for Teens) - Nemours KidsHealth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hearing loss (also called hearing impairment) makes it hard to hear or understand sounds. But you can do something about noise-induced hearing loss.