Helping Your Child Get Used to Glasses or Hearing Bands – Real Parent Tips

For many children, wearing glasses or hearing bands can be a big adjustment. These aids can feel strange at first – uncomfortable, different or even overwhelming. But with patience, encouragement and a few clever strategies, they can become part of everyday life. 

We asked parents in our community how they helped their children get used to glasses or hearing bands. Here’s what they shared.

1. Pairing new aids with favourite activities can help build tolerance 

Many families found success by linking glasses or hearing bands to something their child already enjoys – like story time, cartoons or music. 

“My daughter wears glasses. She also loves books. When we first got her glasses we insisted she wear them when we read to her. If she took them off, we stopped reading. Very soon she got the message and would bring us a book together with her glasses.” 

“Small amounts of time for the Baha band. She wore it when she wanted to watch her favourite cartoon, and nursery put it on when they started singing nursery rhymes. She could hear the difference and we built the time up. It took a long time. She wears it now for school time.” 

These small, enjoyable moments can make new equipment feel familiar and positive, helping children build up wearing time gradually.

2. Use clear, consistent routines and boundaries

Sometimes, clear expectations can make a big difference in helping children understand when and why they need to wear their glasses or hearing band. 

“My son wears glasses and I persuaded him to wear them by saying that he couldn’t have his tablet if he wasn’t wearing them. This seemed to work as he gradually wore them more and more. He has now got bi-focals and he transitioned to these really well.” 

Setting simple, consistent rules (while keeping things calm and encouraging) can support children to make these aids part of daily routines.

3. Make the process positive and playful

Several parents shared how they made the introduction to glasses a fun experience. Taking time to let children explore, choose their frames and feel in control can ease the transition. 

“We spent loads of time with an independent optician. We’d told her before that our daughter had Down syndrome so she could ensure she had some suitable styles in. Sat with a mirror so ‘L’ could see on herself, played with them etc. Once we’d chosen and had fitted we talked about glasses at home.” 

“We taught her the sign for glasses so we can ask if she wants them on. They have a cute case so we can put them to bed/wake them up.” 

Adding little rituals like ‘putting glasses to bed’ or giving the child a say in choosing their frames can make wearing aids feel less like a demand and more like a part of their own routine.

4. Start small,and be patient

A common theme was taking it step by step. 

“If she doesn’t want them on she’ll take them off, but we ask her 15/20 minutes later if she wants them on again. Perseverance and not making a big thing about not wearing them. But lots of praise when she does.” 

For many children, tolerance grows over time. A few minutes here and there can turn into longer periods as they adjust and experience the benefits. 

Additional tips for supporting your child 

• Build up gradually. Start with short periods during favourite activities, then extend slowly. 
• Make it theirs. Let your child choose fun frames or decorate a case so it feels personal. 
• Use signs or cues. Visual or Makaton signs can help your child express when they do (or don’t) want to wear their aids. 
• Try gentle tricks. Some parents even try putting glasses on when their child is asleep so they wake up wearing them. 
• Celebrate successes. Every small step counts – lots of praise helps build confidence.

You’re not alone. Getting used to glasses or hearing bands can take time, and every child’s journey looks different. What matters most is patience, flexibility and celebrating progress – however small. 

If you have your own tips or experiences to share, join the conversation in our private Facebook groups, where every Tuesday we invite parents to share their wisdom in our Top Tips Tuesday post. 

💛 Your story could be exactly what another family needs to hear.