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April 2, 20184 Tips for a Hearing Loss Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
Easter is this Sunday, which means we’re getting ready for lots of family time and of course Easter egg hunts!
Any special event requires some extra planning, but I’ve found that especially with my deaf toddler, extra noise, people, and activities can be especially overwhelming and daunting. There are ways, however, to ensure these special events are inclusive and fun for them!
Here are 4 Tips for a Hearing Loss Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
Preparation
Before taking your deaf child on an egg hunt you might want to spend some time on the lead up to the event talking about Easter and egg hunts and what its all about. Explain to them that they will be going somewhere potentially loud and full of children. I find that if I prepare Harry for what we are going to be doing a little in advance he is a lot calmer and enjoys it more when we get there.
Make it visual
Deaf children can often miss instructions, especially in busy and noisy environments with a million-and-one distractions. Making instructions visually appealing is a good way to include deaf children in your egg hunt. Make it really easy for them to understand, perhaps by acting out what is involved in an egg hunt rather than just telling them.
Time out
I find that my deaf child can get very over tired and agitated quite quickly in busy environments. It is probably because he is concentrating hard to hear everything that is going on around him which can become a little overwhelming. I find that taking him away from particularly loud, crazy situations for just a few minutes to help him regain his thoughts and calm him down really helps.
Keeping equipment safe
It’s always important to keep extra care over your your child’s hearing aids or cochlear implants when you’re out and about. I check every few minutes to make sure his cochlear implants are still on. Sometimes I clip his processor somewhere I can see them, so that I will notice quickly if one goes astray. If they are old enough, let you child know how to care for their hearing aids. They can let you know when they fall off or get dirty or wet while playing.
Read more: When should children care for their own hearing aids?
Read more: 10 care tips for your child’s hearing aid
Do you have any other tips for a deaf friendly Easter? Please leave a comment if you do!
