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| Home / For your child / audiology services & hearing aids / | ||
| The Trial Hearing Aid Program | ||
| In October of 1987, the Hearing, Speech & Deafness
Center (HSDC) established an innovative service, the only one like
it in Washington State: The Trial Hearing Aid Program.
This program is available to children and families enrolled in the Parent-Infant
Program. It's
purpose is to provide the best possible amplification system (e.g. hearing aids
and special listening devices) for Deaf and hard of hearing children ages birth
to three years, in a manner that minimizes the family's financial burden and
maximizes the child's ability to benefit from hearing aids. When hearing aids are fitted as soon as possible following diagnosis of the hearing loss, a child begins receiving the auditory input which helps contribute to optimal spoken language development and auditory development. Why is a Trial Hearing Aid Program Valuable? Appropriate hearing aid fitting requires a complete and accurate audiogram of a child's hearing loss. Because of the problems inherent in testing the hearing of very young children, the initial diagnosis may be incomplete. It can take months or even years to obtain complete, accurate audiological information. Information regarding the child's hearing status gathered over time may necessitate a change of hearing aids. Through our "hearing aid loaner bank" we can fit each child with several different hearing aids over an extended period of time while we observe and test the child's responses to each hearing aid. For most families the purchase of one set of hearing aids presents a financial hardship. Buying a second set of aids--if different hearing aids would be more appropriate--adds to the cost. In some cases third party payers, such as private insurance companies and some state programs, fund the original set of hearing aids, but are unable to provide funds for replacement aids until a certain time limit has passed (typically 3-5 years). The Trial Hearing Aid Program eliminates unnecessary duplication of fees and services. What Makes Our Program Unique? The Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center provides multifaceted pediatric services for children from birth to three years. Our team approach to identification and treatment of hearing loss is family-centered and delivered in a relaxed and friendly environment. All procedures are non-invasive and respectful of the child and family. Highlights of HSDC's Trial Hearing Aid Program: Convenience Parents can schedule hearing evaluations on the same day as the Parent-Infant Program's communication play groups and parent support groups. Also, the audiologist regularly visits the communication play groups to monitor hearing aid fit and function, and will answer parent's questions regarding hearing loss and amplification. Team-Approach The specialist and the parents observe the child during home visits, and then the specialist and the audiologist work as a team to test the child during hearing evaluations. By integrating all of this information we are able to obtain a more complete picture of the child's audiological needs and their process of adjustment to the hearing aids. Payment Plan The Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center provides extended payment plans for families enrolled in this program. If the family is financially unable to purchase hearing aids themselves, every effort is made to locate alternative funding sources to ease the financial burden. Transition to School Programs HSDC's audiologist has extensive experience working with school districts to ensure that proper amplification is provided and that follow-up is conducted as the child transitions from the Parent-Infant Program into a preschool setting at age 3. How to Receive More Information The Center encourages this program for families with young hard of hearing and Deaf children. If you would like more information please contact our audiology department or the Parent-Infant program at:
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