Marnie, age 4, has post-meningitic hearing loss.  Hearing has improved and is stabilized, with the audiogram as shown.  She has hearing aids, purchased through a private practice audiologist’s office, which are appropriate for the loss and incorporate direct-audio input for use by Marnie’s preschool teacher.  While cosmetically good, they are visible.  The school audiologist know that most days Marnie comes to school without her hearing aids.  The audiologist phones the family to discuss, and in speaking with the child’s mother, Marnie’s mother makes the following points:  Marnie can understand her pretty well without the hearing aids.  Marnie is such a pretty girl, and she (mother) knows that kids tend to tease her when they see her hearing aids.

• Discuss the issues these comments suggest and brainstorm approaches for dealing with these issues.