A mama recently asked me this and I wanted to share my response. Her scenario: "My daughter was getting her face painted and I overheard another little girl ask her mom what was on my daughter's head (cochlear implants). I wasn't sure if I should tell them/if it seemed like I was spying on their conversation, or since my daughter didn't hear, if I could have told her "They are asking about your special ears"?
When I was younger I'm sure this happened often without my knowing. Sometimes I did see/hear this going on and shrink back, pretending to be oblivious. Other times I remember tucking my hair behind my ears to show my hearing aids off, as if I 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 them to ask me directly. Haha, I was a fairly social kid. I don't think my mom ever said anything unless asked. If they did it was a simple "Hearing aids, they help her hear better!"
Over the years, especially after I became an audiologist, I grew in confidence and invited the conversation. I added color with @Skinit, @gearforears and colorful @microsonic_earmolds. Nine days out of ten my hair is pulled back because WHO in the world has a baby who DOESN'T grab at your hair or earrings? If I see an inquisitive look on someone's face or see them staring - I'll smile, say hello or comment on whatever might be happening so that they might feel comfortable enough to ask.
On our first date, when my husband asked me about my job I just jumped in. I grabbed his hand and had him feel the bump of the implant under my skin then even showed him the silliest magic trick of "now you see it, now you don't" with my soda bottle cap on my coil. He's currently embarrassed for me as I write this 🤣
As a mom now, I would probably come up with a something short to say that my child could mirror. If she didn’t notice people and I did, I’d probably say “Oh! Did you notice her special ears? These are cochlear implants and they help her hear better! Do you know anyone with glasses? Kind of like how those help people see better!”
