It is very clear from the preceding chapters that the basic problem of deaf children is not that they cannot hear, but that communication between themselves and others is difficult. Learning to communicate presents the deaf with increased problems. In these next two chapters we shall consider what help is available to the deaf child and his parents in developing an ability in the child to communicate.

The first and obvious type of help is a hearing aid. Most children have some hearing. A hearing aid can amplify what sounds they do hear.

Other equipment available is a speech trainer, similar to a body worn aid in principle, but which has larger and more efficient earphones and microphone. It has the disadvantage that it is cumbersome and can only be used for as long as the child is prepared to stay in the same place, but it gives much better amplification of sound with less distortion. It is usually used for short periods and for more intensive work.

For virtually all deaf children a hearing aid is essential equipment. Most deaf children do have some hearing and a hearing aid can amplify what sounds they do hear. However, it must be made clear at the outset that even the very best hearing aid has its limitations. Many people expect a hearing aid to do for a hearing loss what spectacles do for defective vision. Spectacles make vision normal for the wearer. A hearing aid does not restore its user to normal hearing.