Explaining Hearing Loss to Kids: A Simple Guide for Parents & Grandparents

Helping children understand hearing loss allows them to build stronger connections with loved ones. These expert tips make it easier to explain in simple, reassuring ways.

Audiologist Stephanie Jaffe

Published 9/16/2025,

Updated 3/5/2026

2 min read

Reviewed by

HearUSA editorial team

Tips and tricksHearing lossFamily and caregivers

Use simple, honest language to explain hearing loss so kids understand what it means and feel included.
Show and talk about hearing aids to make them familiar and fun, and encourage kids to ask questions.
Teach kids patient communication tips like getting attention first and speaking clearly for easier conversations.

Explaining hearing aids to kids in a positive way

Helping children understand hearing loss

Having a grandparent with hearing aids is going to spark some curiosity in little ones. It’s natural to want your loved ones to feel included and understand how hearing aids help. Here’s how to talk to children about a grandparent's hearing loss.

Be honest
Letting your grandkids know that sometimes hearing is challenging¹ helps build trust and fosters inclusivity and understanding. Hearing care professional I. Walbrohel says honesty is the best policy.

“My advice is transparency and truth,” he explains. “I recommend that the [person with hearing loss] express their concerns and challenges calmly and clearly while sharing how hearing aids make everyday moments even better. Encourage your family to learn together about hearing aids and hearing loss.”
Explain hearing aids to kids in simple terms
Explaining hearing loss to young kids simply might be all they need: “My ears aren’t so good at hearing these days, but these hearing aids help me hear your giggles loud and clear!” Older children might be more interested in the technology of your hearing aids – embrace their curiosity and share fun facts or stories about how your hearing aids work. Your device might have longer battery life than their earbuds¹.

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Show grandkids your hearing aids
Let your grandkids see your hearing aids¹ and show them how these small devices help you enjoy conversations, laughter, and every special moment together. Encourage them to ask questions and even try listening themselves to see the difference.
“Hey Grandpa!” – Help them engage you
Teaching kids to get your attention first ensures everyone feels included in conversations² and makes communication easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Encourage kids to call your name or gently touch your arm when they want to speak with you.

Encourage patience and empathy

Teach children empathy for family members with hearing impairment. Empathy helps us better connect with and support each other. Studies³ show that greater empathy can lead to more kindness and understanding among family members.

If there is a grandparent with hearing loss in the family, you may need to explain hearing loss to children. These tips can help both children and grandparents feel more comfortable, connected, and supported.

Teach them ways to communicate for better understanding

Let your grandchildren know that you can understand them better when they are facing you. Explain how this helps you see their expressions and read their lips.

Ask them to speak clearly and at a slightly slower pace – no mumbling, and if possible, make sure background noise is low so that you can pick up each and every special word.

Reducing unnecessary noise and setting up environments so that people can communicate more closely, and face to face will always help,” explains Walbrohel.

Helping your grandchildren understand these tips will make conversations more fun and valuable for everyone.

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Sources:

1 Living with Hearing Loss:

https://livingwithhearingloss.com/2017/01/31/how-to-talk-to-your-grandchildren-about-your-hearing-loss/

2 Hearing Loss Association of America https://www.hearingloss.org/understanding-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-101/communication-tips/

3 Monash University, Understanding others’ feelings: what is empathy and why do we need it? https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/explainer-we-can-learn-a-lot-from-the-changing-night-sky/understanding-others-feelings-what-is-empathy-and-why-do-we-need-it

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