Kindergarten and School With Cochlear Implants

Every child’s journey with cochlear implants is unique and filled with its own challenges and triumphs. Today, we introduce you to two remarkable young CI users from Switzerland: Clara and Liam. Their stories show how cochlear implants have empowered them to lead active lives without having to miss out on sound.

Clara’s Story

Clara, a spirited 7-year-old, was born with hearing loss and initially used hearing aids. When she was 7 months old, genetic testing revealed that she would not regain her hearing. Accepting this, her parents opted for cochlear implants. With her SONNET 2 audio processors, Clara has the best opportunities in life. She is now an active child who loves skiing, cycling, and spending time with her friends at kindergarten.

Liam’s Story

Liam, a 14-year-old bilateral CI user, lost his hearing at the age of 2 following a lung infection. After undergoing antibiotic treatment, his parents noticed a decline in his hearing, which subsequent tests confirmed. They soon decided to get him cochlear implants. Today, Liam enjoys playing football and floorball and lives an active life.

Auditory Preparation Before Kindergarten and School

Getting ready for kindergarten and school involves much more than packing a bookbag. For Clara and Liam, auditory preparation was a key step to ensure they could thrive in their new environments. Here’s how they got started:

• After activation, Clara and Liam had their audio processors fitted to their specific needs.
• Prior to starting kindergarten and school, both children received enthusiastic support from their large families. Daily life included fun listening exercises, frequent conversations, and various auditory inputs, like music.
• Professional audiologists also provided essential listening training to assist them on their hearing journeys.

Preparing for Kindergarten and School

Ensuring a smooth transition into kindergarten and school required proactive steps from Liam and Clara’s parents. They recommend the following preparations:

Support During Lessons

Once in the classroom, continuous support is crucial for children with cochlear implants. Here’s how teachers and classmates can help:

• Clara uses the Roger FM system by Phonak to clearly hear her teacher.
• The teacher also uses AudioLink as a remote mic to ensure Clara can hear her from anywhere in the room.
• Both Clara and Liam are encouraged to ask for help if they don’t understand something.
• Since their classmates are informed about Clara’s and Liam’s hearing loss, they are also able to provide support, such as when an audio processor falls off or its batteries need to be changed.
• Encouraging regular listening breaks is essential to preventing auditory overload; both children take their audio processors off whenever they need a moment to relax.

Supporting a child with a cochlear implant as they navigate kindergarten or school requires thoughtful preparation, open communication, and continuous support. Clara’s and Liam’s stories underscore the importance of a proactive and positive approach. By following these tips and using these strategies, parents and caretakers can ensure that children with cochlear implants are equipped with the tools they need for a successful school experience.