Does your hearing impaired child struggle socially?

[MargeryDoors]

Just that really.

DS is 5 and I’ve noticed he doesn’t seem to be getting on as well socially as some of his peers. He has a moderate bilateral hearing loss and wears aids. At home with us/in smaller groups/one on one with a friend he is great, but in school with larger class sizes/big playground he seems a bit withdrawn and perhaps less able socially than his hearing peers. He tends to stick with just one friend and doesn’t seem to want to bring other children into his play. He sometimes appears shy/ignores other children completely which he doesn’t tend to do out of school unless he doesn’t hear. I’ve tried to talk to him about it but he doesn’t like me asking questions and tends to shut down. I don’t think it’s the environment as such as he copes just fine in noisy busy places but add in the complexities of trying to establish friendships in those circumstances he seems to come unstuck a bit. I don’t think he’s unhappy but I just wanted to know if this is normal and if anyone could suggest ways in which I could help him please?

[Headfirstintothewild]

Some with hearing loss can find interaction harder. What support is the school providing? Do they have a nurture group or similar or lunch clubs? Is the ToD involved? They can help the school with strategies to support DS.