Keeping hearing impaired kids safe this halloween

Halloween’s one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids across the US. Even the lead up is fun as you choose new costumes and cut scary faces into pumpkins. However, aside from the excitement, Halloween can be a dangerous time for children, particularly those with a hearing impairment.

We’ve put together a few things to add to your checklist for Halloween this year to make sure your little monster stays safe while out trick-or-treating.

Watch out for costume misfits

There are some pretty elaborate costumes out there nowadays. Whether your child opts for a fake axe-in-the-head, a ghostly ghoul, or a sparkly princess outfit, it’s really important that their costume fits OK. Anything with hats, scarves, or other accessories that could slip over their eyes, knock their hearing aids out of place, or muffle their microphone can cause an unnecessary drama on the big day. Choose carefully and get them to try the costume on ahead of time to check everything fits.

Keep them close

Any child under 13 should be with an adult for trick-or-treating. It’s easy for your child to get overly excited with all the fun of Halloween. Rushing from house to house, it can be easy for a child with a hearing impairment to miss the sound of an approaching car or cyclist. Keep them close. Remind them to use the sidewalks and safe crossings. Be an extra pair of eyes to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Get a group together

If your child’s old enough to trick-or-treat without you tagging along, make sure they’re with a group of friends. Plan a route. Arrange a meeting point and time to check in with you and make sure everything’s going to plan. Agree on a home time.

Add something neon or reflective

If trick-or-treating at night, dark costumes can leave kids vulnerable when they’re around the streets in the dark. Make sure drivers can see them. Add brightly colored accessories or give them a flashlight. Stick reflective tape to their costumes to make them visible in the dark.

Do a hearing aid check

Make sure your child’s hearing aids are in good shape by giving them a good once-over. Stick a spare battery or two in your bag just in case. If you discover a problem with your child’s hearing aids, give us a call at 346-482-4100. We can help you to get things working again.

Hopefully these simple tips are just what you need to keep your kids safe this Halloween. Happy trick-or-treating!

Dr. Lacey Brooks, CCC-A, FAAA - Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Lacey Brooks received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2003, and earned her Doctorate of Audiology in 2009. She completed her clinical internships and residency at various facilities within Houston Medical Center. Dr. Brooks is a preferred provider for the American Institute of Balance (ABI), a professional member of the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA) and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also the vice president of the Louisiana State University Houston Chapter Alumni Association. In addition to her years of experience identifying, diagnosing and treating all types and degrees of hearing loss, and vestibular disorders, Dr. Brooks has spent the last 13 years becoming an expert in Tinnitus management and therapy. Dr. Brooks is also one of the few providers in the country certified for Lyric Implantable Devices. For over seven years, Dr. Brooks successfully ran and operated more than six audiology clinics for one of the largest practices in the state of Texas before joining the North Houston Hearing Solutions team in 2016. Dr. Brooks prides herself on providing her patients with the highest quality of care. She loves her patients dearly and feels so fortunate that she gets to help improve their daily lives. This love, combined with her impressive skill set, business experience and passion for helping people hear has made Dr. Lacey Brooks a wonderful addition to the North Houston Hearing Solutions’ team. When not at the office, Dr. Brooks enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, family, and friends. Dr. Brooks is also very involved in her church and with mission work in her community and abroad.

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