It’s a simple question that has a simple answer: What if the three little pigs (you know, from the famous fairy tale) had hearing loss? When the presenter of a Three Little Pigs puppet show at a Connecticut school finished acting out the story, he posed this question to the kids.

“They wouldn’t have been able to hear the Big Bad Wolf!” is the answer. A great recent story in the Winston Bulletin newspaper talks about the puppet show, and how the presenter, Dick Smith, aimed to educate the children about hearing loss.

Smith is a member of Hearing Loss of America (HLAA), an organization that “educates people with hearing loss and the public about hearing loss and its management.” As someone who has hearing loss, Smith talked to the children about turning down the volume when they watch television and listen to music, especially when they’re listening to their iPods with headphones for hours on end. The Winston Bulletin story pointed out that according to the HLAA, noise pollution from iPods played on full volume for long periods of time accounts for 50% of hearing loss. What’s more is that 12% of teens suffer from hearing loss — and that number is on the rise.

Another thing Mr. Smith talked to the kids about was how to talk to a person who has hearing loss. He stressed speaking slowly while looking at the person to allow them to read your lips, and refrain from yelling.

Educating children about hearing loss is early intervention, and it helps to make kids aware of the problem and aware of the fact that hearing loss affects many, many people. When a child suffers from hearing loss, it could prevent them from learning.

Get Help With Hearing Loss

Getting help with hearing loss may mean getting a hearing aid. Whether you’re a teenager or you’re a senior, hearing aids do not have to be a source of embarrassment or shame. Hearing aids come in several varieties that are inobtrusive and discreet. Find one that’s right for you at Hearing Aid Express.