Back-to-School for Parents, Too: Tips for Staying Engaged with Hearing Loss

Back-to-school season isn’t just for kids — it’s a busy time for parents as well. From cheering at sports games to sitting in on parent-teacher conferences, these events are some of the most important moments to stay connected. But if you live with hearing loss, crowded gyms, noisy classrooms, or quiet auditoriums can make it harder to fully participate.

The good news? With a little preparation and the right technology, you can enjoy every milestone right alongside your child.

1. Sports Games: Conquer the Noise

Cheering crowds and loud whistles can make it challenging to hear your child on the field or connect with other parents in the stands.

Tips to try:

• Use hearing aid settings or apps that filter background noise while focusing on speech.

• Sit closer to the action so you can follow your child’s plays visually as well as through sound.

• When chatting with other parents, position yourself where you can see their faces for easier lip-reading support.

2. School Recitals & Performances: Don’t Miss a Note

Recitals and plays are moments every parent treasures, but poor acoustics in auditoriums can make it tough to follow along.

Tips to try:

• Ask in advance if the school provides assistive listening devices — many auditoriums are equipped with them.

• If you wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, pair them with your phone and use a live microphone app to boost sound clarity.

• Arrive early to get a seat in the front or center of the room where sound carries best.

3. Parent-Teacher Meetings: Make Conversations Clear

One-on-one conversations with teachers are crucial for your child’s success, but soft voices, background chatter, or even masks can make it hard to catch every word.

Tips to try:

• Don’t hesitate to let the teacher know you have hearing loss — most will gladly slow down or adjust their seating to help.

• Use hearing aid directional microphones to focus on the teacher’s voice.

• Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down key points, so nothing gets missed.

The Bottom Line

School season is filled with moments that bring families closer together. With today’s advanced hearing technology and a few simple strategies, parents with hearing loss can stay fully engaged at games, recitals, and conferences.

✨ Remember: Hearing health is family health. Taking care of your hearing ensures you never miss the moments that matter most.