This article was first published on ModernTraditional’s original free site whose domain no longer exists for that purpose, in the late 1990’s. There is new stuff available, but I think this is still relevant. Every child is different, and it’s good to know how to make a custom hearing aid holder.
Hearing aids are very expensive, but kids need to be able to have a life while they’re young. So when my daughter was a toddler, I sought ways to keep her hearing aids on to prevent loss or breakage.
At the right of this photo, you can see the most common solution: converted eyeglass holders. Phonak also makes something similar. These however, proved to be insufficient because neither is secure enough to hold a dropped or snagged hearing aid together.
So, I took a trip to my local craft shop and hardware store, and came up with solutions for a variety of types of hearing aids.
Before we get started, I should warn parents that some beads can be choke hazards for babies and kids who have a tendency to put things in their mouths. If you wouldn’t put something in their hair or on their clothes, don’t put it on these hearing aid holders. Use the same care when choosing parts as you would when making a toy or a doll for them.
The Cord
The cord for a hearing aid holder is made basically the same as any eyeglass holder. For an active toddler, you’ll want to use something strong like suede craft cord, but for a stylish teenager, you might use slim leather cord.
The Loops
For the rings to hold the hearing aids, you’ll need some firm silicone tubing. Cut the tubing into half centimeter rings. For the most impact protection, use two rings, and for normal protection, use one.
Thread the end of the cord through the tubing, and make a loop that will hold them, with at least 1.5cm. of slack. If you used two, make sure that your loop is big enough that these can set about .25cm apart.
Stabilize your loop with hot glue or a craft cement that will be non toxic and somewhat soft when dried. Even if you’re not worried about them putting it in their mouths, you still don’t want to cause any skin irritation.
Secure the loop using either a bead and more glue, or a metal tube. If you choose a metal tube, crimp it tightly so that it doesn’t slide, but be careful not to create any pointy edges.
The rest is basically the same as any good eyeglasses holder. Double it and slide a bead or two onto it so that it’s not flopping around or getting snagged on things. At the end loop, put on a safety pin to secure it to the back collar of their shirt.
I hope that these instructions are helpful to you and your kids. 🙂
By the way, if you’re linking to this page, let me know so that I can give a link back.
