Hearing Loss Tips for Halloween

In just a few short days, millions of children across the U.S. will put on their spookiest costumes, grab their sturdiest bags, and embark on a candy-collecting adventure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of potential trick-or-treaters is climbing to well over 41.1 million. Halloween is a fun-filled holiday but it can also be dangerous - especially for children who have hearing loss. If your child has hearing loss, here are some tips to ensure their safety as they celebrate.

1. Check your child’s hearing aids: Make sure your child’s hearing aids are clean, well charged, and free of any debris.  If you plan to be out during the day and into the night, consider bringing along a back-up pair of batteries that can be used if needed. For most modern hearing aids, the volume level will automatically adjust to their surroundings. However it’s important to note that noisy activities like haunted houses could still be overwhelming for your child.
2. Make sure costumes fit properly and safely: When helping your child get dressed, make sure the costume and accessories fit properly and do not obstruct their ability to hear.  Any face makeup, glitter or hairspray is best applied before your child’s hearing aid is put in, which lowers the risk of potential hearing aid damage.
3. Stay close to your child throughout the night: It’s important that a parent or responsible adult keep a close eye on your child. There is a high level of foot and vehicle traffic on Halloween night. Children with hearing loss may not be aware of an idling car and could potentially walk into the path of a vehicle. Be sure to educate your child prior to trick-or-treating so they know to use crosswalks, walk calmly rather than running ahead and always wait to cross the street.
4. Trick-or-treat in a group: Trick-or-treating in a group will ensure more fun, but it is also an added safety precaution in case your child gets separated or lost in a crowd. Make sure you discuss with your child ahead of time your route for the night and a meeting place if you get separated. If your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating with friends, make sure they have a way to get in contact with you and let you know what time they will return home.
5. Wear bright-colored/reflective clothing: Sending your child trick-or-treating with bright colored clothing, glow sticks, flashlights, or reflective bags will help increase their visibility to drivers and other pedestrians. This is extremely important so that in the event that your child doesn’t hear a car coming, the driver can take notice of their presence.