Keeping hearing aids and implants on babies and toddlers

We know it’s ideal for your child to wear their hearing device regularly, but let’s be honest – it’s not always easy. If you're feeling frustrated, you're definitely not alone! Many parents face the same challenges. To help, we've gathered expert tips and insights from other families who have been there. Remember, it's OK to take breaks and be kind to yourself. 

Communication is important for brain development and emotional wellbeing, and there are many ways to connect with your child. Try to focus on the joyful moments with your little one as you work together through this process. Explore different techniques and find what works best for you and your family.

Why children remove their hearing devices

• Developmental stage: Babies and toddlers often take off their hearing devices as part of a normal developmental phase. Soon, other things will grab their attention. You may need to remove the device for a short time and try again once something else distracts them.
• Boredom: Young children may remove their hearing devices if they’re bored or find nothing interesting to listen to.
• Discomfort: Sometimes, the device might cause discomfort, either from earmoulds (if wearing hearing aids) or from the sound itself. It could also be due to an ear infection, so see your audiologist, Teacher of the Deaf (if your child has one) or implant team for advice.
• Additional needs: Children with sensory or additional needs may not tolerate wearing something on their heads. There are strategies to help them adjust to hearing devices. Ask your audiologist or Teacher of the Deaf for support.
• Tiredness: Listening through hearing devices can be tiring, and even deaf adults sometimes remove their technology when they’re tired. While it's important to encourage your child to wear their hearing device as much as possible, focus on helping them associate their hearing devices with positive experiences. It's OK for your child to take a break when needed. Watch for signs that your child is becoming tired or overwhelmed, and encourage them to tell you or another adult when they want to take the device off.

“Let your child have a break from their hearing aids when they choose. This shows them that they are in control, not their deafness.” 

Lucy, mum to Emily (9) who's moderately to severely deaf and wears hearing aids

“If she’s cross and has had enough, or if she’s tired, she’ll take her implants off. She’s getting better at telling us when she takes them off and she’ll tap her ears or tell us that she wants them back on too. On the days she wears her implants, it’s clear she loves listening and enjoys sound.” 

Jennie, mum to Olive (4) who's profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants

Do not worry if you can't keep hearing devices on

Some days, keeping your child's hearing device on may feel impossible. While professionals recommend wearing them during all waking hours, it's important not to put too much pressure on yourself. 

These challenges are usually temporary. Over time, most children will start to recognise the benefits of wearing their hearing devices and will want to wear them more regularly. 

If you're concerned about how wearing a hearing device might affect your child's language development, get advice from your audiologist or Teacher of the Deaf.

Here are some tips to help: 

• Be kind to yourself: You're not a bad parent if you cannot get your child to wear their hearing device consistently. These challenges are common, and you're doing your best.
• Take breaks: If you or your child feels overwhelmed, it's OK to take a break. Set the hearing device aside, play games, take a nap or do whatever helps you both relax and reset. When you're ready, you can try again – whether it's the same day or next week.
• Focus on enjoying time with your child: Do not let the stress of keeping hearing devices on distract you from the joys of spending time together. You can play games, laugh, make silly faces, sing and give cuddles to your child all without technology.
• Explore other communication options: Communication does not only happen with sounds or spoken language. Babies and toddlers use all their senses to communicate with you. They'll be picking up on your facial expressions, touch, warmth, vibrations and smell. You could also consider trying sign language, even temporarily. Learn more about sign language.
• Seek support if you need it: It's normal to feel a range of emotions. If you're struggling though, consider reaching out to a mental health specialist. Find out more about mental health support for parents.
• Build up to wearing the device slowly: Start with just a couple of minutes several times a day, gradually increasing the time your child wears their device. If they keep removing the device, do not force it – take a break and try again later when you're both feeling more relaxed.
• Start at home before going out: It's best to start practising wearing the device in a quiet, familiar environment. Once your child is comfortable, try getting them to wear the device outside nearby, such as in your garden or on your street, before moving on to busier areas. 

Accessories to help secure hearing devices

Many audiology departments provide accessories to help secure hearing devices, free of charge, and some can order more specialist accessories. It's worth checking this with your audiologist. Alternatively, you can purchase accessories online. 

Double-sided sticky discs

Your child’s audiologist, hearing aid clinic or implant centre may provide double-sided sticky discs to help secure hearing aids or sound processors. 

Some parents use wig tape, which is available from chemists. However, young children may find this tape uncomfortable to remove, or they could be allergic to it.

“One day I tried putting surgical tape over his hearing aids, being careful not to cover the speakers. The tape was much stronger and better at keeping Haaris’s aids in place and he stopped fiddling with them. Haaris is two-and-a-half now and never plays with his hearing aids unless he’s having a toddler tantrum!” 

Rashda, mum to Haaris (2) who’s moderately deaf and wears hearing aids.

Retainers

Retainers, sometimes known as ‘huggies’, help keep behind-the-ear aids or sound processors securely in place. A retainer has a thin plastic tube that wraps around the outside of the ear, with two soft plastic bands that fit over the hearing aid or sound processor. You can find retainers from online stores such as:

• Ear Gear
• Hucki retainer (Connevans)

Headbands and hats

Specialised headbands and hats can help keep hearing aids and sound processors in place. You can find them from online stories such as:

• Angelique's Hearing Bands
• BAHA Accessories UK
• Clover Cocobands (Etsy)
• Ear Suspenders (Etsy)
• Harry's Headbands (Etsy)
• Malinka

“One of our neighbours has a friend whose child is also deaf and they suggested trying ‘pilot hats’ from Etsy, which are kept on with a string tied under the chin. Once we started using them Matilda never tried to take the hat off.” 

Lisa, mum to Matilda (5) who's profoundly deaf

Clips and cords

If you’re worried about your child losing their hearing aids or sound processors, a clip with a cord might be a good solution. The clip attaches to your child’s clothing, and the cord connects to their hearing aids or sound processors using plastic bands or retainers. Some clips come in fun shapes like dinosaurs.

Here are some examples of clips:

• Phonak lion clip (Connevans)
• Oticon retention cord (Hearing Aid Accessories)

Earmoulds for sound processors

Earmoulds can be made for sound processors to prevent them from falling to the ground if they slip off. Contact your implant centre or local audiology clinic to ask about getting earmoulds for your child’s sound processors. 

Top tips to help your child wear their device

Make sure the device is comfortable

If your baby blinks often or seems startled when listening to sounds, this may be a sign that the noises they’re hearing are too loud or not loud enough. Young children might remove their hearing aids or sound processors if the sounds are uncomfortable. If this happens regularly, check the settings on the device and talk to your child’s audiologist or implant team.

For hearing aids:

• Warm up the earmoulds by holding them in your hand for a couple of minutes before putting them in. This makes them more comfortable, softer and easier to fit.
• If your baby’s aids whistle while feeding, try adjusting their position, using pillows behind your baby, or temporarily lowering the volume while they feed.

Create a routine for wearing the device

Make wearing the hearing device part of your child's daily routine:

• Put their device on when they wake up, and take it off before bed. Over time, wearing their device while they're awake will start to feel normal to your child.
• If possible, try putting the device on just before your child wakes up, so it's already in place. However, never leave babies or young children alone with hearing aids or sound processors, as they may put them in their mouths.

Make it fun

• Use toys: Distract your child with their favourite toy when putting the device on. You could even give them a special toy they only get to play with when their device goes on.
• Decorate the device: Make hearing aids or processors more exciting by decorating them with fun stickers. You can also personalise some devices to make them feel special to your child. Check out our tips on decorating hearing devices.
• Play pretend: Find toys that feature hearing aids or implants, or use soft toys you can attach hearing devices to. Play pretend with your child – talk about when the toy can take off its device and where to put it to keep it safe. You can find deaf-representative toys from lots of retailers, such as Toy Like Me.

Meet other hearing aid or implant users

• Connect with other families: Meet families with deaf children who can offer valuable insights and support, and can share their experiences with you. Check if there is a local support group near you.
• Let your child meet others: If possible, introduce your child to other children who wear hearing aids or implants – it can help them realise they're not the only ones who wear hearing devices.
• Watch TV shows, read books or meet deaf adults: Show your child that people of all ages wear hearing devices. You can also read books with characters who use different hearing devices. We have a great selection of children's books featuring deaf characters.
• Attend online events: We offer online events where you can get expert advice and connect with other families.