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Hearing Aid Bonnets Were a Game Changer for Our Baby—Here’s Why We Love Them

Hearing aids and parenthood don't always blend easily!

By
Daisy Bell
3 min read
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Baby wearing hearing aids and a pilot cap sitting on floor playing with wood toy gears
Enjoying her Emmifaye bonnet! (while wearing Phonak Sky Marvel 70 SP BTE hearing aids)

Choosing a Retention Method

When our baby got her hearing aids, our team informed us of the retention options:

  • headbands,
  • wig tape,
  • bonnets a/k/a pilot caps,

and encouraged us to try them out.

Suddenly, we found ourselves faced with the need to balance our mainstream parental choking hazard precautions against ensuring our baby has access to sound.

First, we tried headbands. They were stylish and adorable. Great for photos. And other parents seem to make this work.

But, every time we turned our back, the headband was around her neck, and the hearing aids were off.  

After a few very stressful days, we were getting desperate. We needed a long-term solution.

Enter: The Bonnet a/k/a Pilot Cap!

Baby wearing hearing aids and pilot cap sitting in a stroller looking at a playground scene
Enjoying the park in her hearing aid bonnet, 5 months old

Hearing aid bonnets were our game changer.

They kept her hearing aids on all day. All day! (We do appreciate that our baby took to them so easily, and know that's not always the case.)

No more dread when leaving the room. No more worrying about her access to sound. (Until she figures out how to Houdini them, of course.)

And, as she's grown, she can play uninterrupted, because we're not pausing things to put her hearing aids back on.

Plus, we love the “vintage baby” cuteness factor.  We totally get why baby bonnets were once the norm.

Do They Make Her Stand Out?

We were initially concerned that the bonnets might draw strangers' attention in a negative way.

But, we've time-tested it at busy city playgrounds for about 10 months, and we've never had a negative encounter.

It's really been the opposite, with children and adults commenting on how much they like her bonnet! 

That's provided an opportunity to mention her hearing aids which sometimes we take, and sometimes not.

We like that it's become her "signature look." It actually helps people remember her in a friendly way.

We like that it's become her "signature look." It actually helps people remember her in a friendly way.

The truth is, no matter what retention method, a baby wearing hearing aids is notable and memorable. And there are so many advantages to that! 

People we met in passing quickly recognize her, smile and say "hi" when we cross paths again!

Check out our favorite brands here!

And here's our guide to animal-themed hearing aid bonnets!

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