How should I communicate with my child?

Remind yourself (and others) that your child may be missing out on many of the little things in life because of a hearing problem.

If your child seems to be having difficulty hearing, try using the following tactics:

• When speaking to your child, first attract his/her attention by calling his/her name or by touch.
• If you can, choose a room with soft furnishings and carpet to talk to your child in. For example, a sitting room will usually be better than a room with hard surfaces, like a kitchen.
• Cut down background noise – turn down the television and have it on less.
• Talk face to face, sitting or bending to the same level as your child, if possible.
• Check that your child is listening and watching. As you go along, check that they have understood.
• Speak up and speak clearly, but don’t shout.
• Be direct. Keep requests short and simple.
• If your child has a special friend, tell his/her parents about the glue ear. Why not ask them to look at this website?

Children with more severe hearing loss may have some problems speaking clearly. Those with poor hearing or speech may find it difficult to pick up information at nursery or school. You can help by spending extra time with your child at home talking together, or going over some of their lessons to check they have understood what they did in class. Playing word games like I-Spy is fun for the family and may help your child’s speech, language or reading.

Finally, it is important to remember that children with glue ear often feel frustrated and left out. This may, understandably, lead to behaviour that seems naughty. Try to deal with the cause of the problem first. For example, if your child has not done something (s)he was asked to do, check that (s)he has heard your initial instruction.