The Weekly HATCH
Preparing For Successful Audiology Appointments
Taking your baby or toddler to a pediatric audiology appointment can feel like a big moment, but with a little preparation, it can also be a smooth and even empowering experience. These visits are an important step in understanding your child’s hearing and supporting their language development, and you play a key role in making them successful!
One of the most helpful things you can do is plan around your child’s schedule. Try to book the appointment at a time when your child is usually well-rested and fed. A sleepy or hungry child may have a harder time participating in testing.
Bringing comfort items can make a big difference. A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier can help your child feel safe in a new environment. For toddlers, having a quiet toy or book can keep them engaged while you talk with the audiologist. These little pieces of home can go a long way in helping your child feel relaxed and cooperative.
It’s also a great idea to come prepared with information and questions. You spend the most time with your child and know them best! Think about what you’ve noticed at home. What are you noticing from practicing LING sounds? Have you noticed any changes? Writing down a few notes or questions ahead of time can help you feel more confident and ensure you don’t forget anything important during the appointment.
Another tip is to talk to your child about the visit in a simple, positive way (if they are old enough). Let them know they will be listening to sounds or playing listening games. Keeping your tone upbeat can help them feel more comfortable and even curious about what’s to come.
Lastly, give yourself plenty of time. Arriving a little early can help you settle in, complete any paperwork, and allow your child to get used to the new space. And remember, it's okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly. Pediatric audiologists are experienced in working with young children and will guide you through the process.
Most importantly, know that you are doing something incredibly valuable for your child. By showing up, asking questions, and staying engaged, you are helping build the foundation for their communication, learning, and connection to the world around them.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know
Do you know that smiling and eye contact are very critical to your baby's development?
Smiling and making eye contact with babies isn't a hard thing to do. In fact, it's our favorite thing to do!
It is one of the sweetest ways to connect and communicate. For babies with hearing differences, your face becomes an important source of information. Your warm expressions, soft smiles, and attentive gaze help them feel safe, understood, and loved. These simple moments support early communication, social development, and trust, all while showing your baby that being with you is a joyful and comforting experience. Over time, these loving exchanges become the foundation for connection, language, and a strong bond between you and your child. Check out the article with research about this!
Kristi's Communication Corner
Getting Ready for an Audiology Appointment with Your Baby
When you have a baby, getting out the door can feel like a big task. There’s so much to remember, and audiology appointments can come with lots of new information. A little preparation can make these visits feel more manageable and meaningful.
Before your appointment: Keep a simple running list of what you’re noticing. You can jot notes in a journal, record a quick voice memo, or use the notes app on your phone. Things to watch for include:
• Is your child noticing or responding to new sounds?
• Do they seem quieter with hearing aids on? Louder? (Both can be very normal.)
• Are there sounds your child does not seem to respond to?
Your observations are incredibly valuable. They help your audiologist understand how the hearing aids are working in real life, not just in the clinic.
During and at the end of your appointment: Appointments often end with a lot of information, right when your baby may be tired, hungry, or ready for a diaper change. It’s okay to keep things simple. Before you leave, ask your audiologist: “What are the three most important things you want me to remember?” This helps you focus on the key takeaways without feeling overwhelmed.
After your appointment: Talk it through with someone, a friend, family member, or another parent (like during Tuesdays at 10). Saying things out loud helps you remember, process, and identify what still feels unclear.
You’re learning a lot, quickly. That’s no small thing! You’ve got this, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the Director of Early Intervention Integration at the HATCH lab and a Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University.
The Reading Nook
Early literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future academic success and lifelong learning by honing crucial language acquisition, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills. Research shows that reading and signing stories together helps promote essential literacy skills for ALL children: deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.
This week, let's read...
Empowered Parent Resource of the Week
Many parents find themselves gently repositioning devices, searching for a blinking light in the backseat of their car, and hoping their baby is getting consistent access to sound. And that access really matters. Research continues to show that consistent auditory access in the early years supports the development of speech, language, and social connection. Babies learn through repetition, hearing voices, noticing patterns, and making meaning from the world around them. When hearing technology is worn regularly, it gives babies more opportunities to build those important brain connections during a critical time of development.
That’s where something as simple as a little pilot cap can make a big difference. These soft, snug-fitting caps are designed to gently cover your baby’s ears and help keep hearing aids or cochlear implant processors in place. Instead of constantly adjusting devices, parents can feel more at ease knowing everything is secure and protected. Even during naps, playtime, or stroller rides! Most importantly, tools like pilot caps support consistency. And consistency is key. The more a baby has access to sound, whether through hearing aids or cochlear implants, the more opportunities they have to listen, learn, and connect. Sometimes, it’s the simplest solutions that help make those big developmental moments possible!
If you are a caregiver of a young child who has a hearing difference, please join us for Tuesdays@10 !
T@10 is a very supportive, informative, and casual Zoom designed to let you join from wherever you are. We share stories, tips, and resources to support your family on this journey. Join us and feel the benefit of being part of a supportive, empathetic, and empowered community!
Next Tuesday- We are so lucky to have Pediatric Audiologist, Jess Stich-Hennen, joining us to talk about Audiograms! She will help us really understand them and answer any questions we may have.
Text HEAR to 274 448!
The HEAR program is a specialty track within Lantern’s larger network, specifically designed for families of children ages birth to 3 years with suspected or confirmed hearing loss. Messages are a mix of information and encouragement, delivered once per week for 6 months. The program is available in English and Spanish.
We are HATCH Family Support, which is the family-to-family support arm of the HATCH (Helping Adults Talk to Children) lab at Idaho State University. Co-Directed by Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders and years of experience teaching language strategies to the families of young children who have a hearing difference, and Kat Ross, a parent of a child with a hearing difference and years of experience in family-to-family support in Idaho. We provide family centered, statewide outreach, support, and evidence-informed resources to families who have children identified with a hearing difference.
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Director of Early Intervention Integration
(208)859-0703
Kat Ross, Parent
Director of Family Support
(208)407-3726