I understand about the add-on technology being for older people (she is only 5 after all!) but since using the system in the classroom she has improved her speech dramatically. She has some educational delays because she missed out on learning basics for a couple of years and I am trying to do what is best to get her caught up. It's hard to explain her educational challenges, but trust me when I say she can be not just caught up to her age level, but maybe higher. She learns so fast it's amazing, but because we didn't realize her hearing was so bad (prior to receiving tubes she had almost no hearing at all) she is missing the fundamental skills to apply what she is learning.
Also, because of the unilateral hearing, she can hear very well, but not directionally and gets turned around/lost easily. I considered buying the system because of the vacations & activities we have planned for the summer which would likely include large crowds and lots of noise. I would not have used it in the home. SHe actually rarely wears the aid at home - I let her decide if she wants to or not - because she can hear well in situations with close conversation and little background noise.
I am realizing how little was explained to us from our audiologist and I e-mailed and called them to death so I am going in for a sit down Q&A next week to hopefully help me understand what exactly is best for her. But I really do appreciate all I have learned from all of you and I will definitely continue to stalk the message boards to learn more
