Fitting a child's bone conduction device
This is an important time in your child's hearing journey. Parents can prepare with questions to ask their audiologist.
What you'll find on this page
- Questions to ask child’s audiologist.
- Information about child’s first fitting session.
- Tips for the first few months after the sound processor is turned on.
As child's fitting day approaches, parents may feel nervous and excited.
To help them prepare, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask their child’s audiologist.
These questions will help them know what to expect at the first programming appointment and get everyone ready for life with a new hearing device.
Questions for parents to ask about fitting day and beyond
- What happens during the appointment?
- What does programming the sound processor feel like?
- Will my child hear right away?
- How will it sound?
- How long will it take my child to adjust to the new sound?
- How do I put on my child’s device and can they put it on themselves?
- How does it work?
- What tips do you have for using the new device?
- How often will I need to charge or change the batteries?
- How do I store and care for the device?
- What resources do you recommend for rehabilitation?
- What happens if my child’s hearing changes over time?
- Is there a network of families of bone conduction solution recipients that I can connect with?
What usually happens on fitting day?
After a child has bone conduction implant surgery or receives a Baha® Start non-surgical solution, their hearing health professional will fit and program their sound processor. It's typically a simple and quick process.
An audiologist will connect the sound processor to the programming software and place the sound processor on the child's head. They'll then perform a feedback test, and the child can hear sound through the sound processor for the first time.
Finally, the child's audiologist will program the sound processor to meet child's individual needs. They can set specific listening programs for different hearing situations, such as quiet or noisy environments.
After that the child’s new hearing device is ready to go.
"The moment we put the Baha® 5 [Sound Processor] on him (Jackson), it was magical. He smiled and looked at me as I softly spoke and said his name. My heart melted and that moment validated any questions we had about whether or not we were doing the right thing."
- Amanda, mother of Jackson, Cochlear™ Baha System recipient
What to expect after sound processor is turned on
When a child's sound processor is turned on, all the new sounds can seem a little overwhelming for them at first. It will take them some time to adjust and get used to the new sounds.
Initially, their hearing may feel different. Generally, within a few weeks of taking in all sorts of different sounds, the brain will adapt and their hearing will start to feel more natural.
Parents are advised to follow the guidelines for care and maintenance for their child's device.
We offer many how-to videos, and our customer service team can help answer their questions.
Patience and persistence will pay off
It takes time and effort to get used to hearing with a bone conduction device. It doesn’t necessarily happen instantly.
Parents need to make sure they are committed to helping their child use the device to get used to it, and that they listen to a variety of sounds – music, noises in the environment and conversations around them.
A child can start using the sound processor at home doing everyday things, and in their own time move on to more challenging environments like outdoors or public places.
If a child is using Baha Start, they will be able to continue using this until they’re ready to move on to a hearing implant, a more permanent and effective solution1 that may further improve their hearing.2
Parent are encouraged to talk to their audiologist when they and their child are ready to discuss next steps.
More information
Disclaimer
This material is intended for health professionals. If you are a consumer, please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
References
- Hol MKS, Snik AFM, Mylanus EAM, Cremers CWRJ. Long-term Results of Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Recipients Who Had Previously Used Air-Conduction Hearing Aids. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005;131(4):321–325.
- Hol MK, Nelissen RC, Agterberg MJ, Cremers CW, Snik AF. Comparison between a new implantable transcutaneous bone conductor and percutaneous bone-conduction hearing implant. Otol Neurotol. 2013;34(6):1071‐1075.