Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. The earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. If you think that a child might have hearing loss, ask the child’s doctor for a hearing screening as soon as possible. Don’t wait!
What is Hearing Loss?
Can happen when any part of the ear is not working in the usual way. This includes the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, hearing (acoustic) nerve, and auditory system.
How common is hearing loss in kids?
There are many different estimates depending on the organization gathering the data, but overall is fairly common in kids. One national survey estimated that about 15% of kids and teens have hearing loss, though in most cases was slight, and in only one ear.
Signs and Symptoms
Hospitals routinely perform newborn hearing screening on infants in the first day or two after birth. If a a newborn shows signs, he or she is usually scheduled for a second screening a few weeks later. However, sometimes newborns who pass both hearing screenings may exhibit signs of hearing loss as they get older.
Signs in toddlers and school-age children
Older children sometimes develop that wasn’t present before. Here are some things to look for if you think your toddler or preschool-age child might have :
- Your child is being flagged for a learning disorder or ADHD—always make sure they get a screening, too, since behavioral conditions.
- Has difficulty understanding what people are saying.
- Speaks differently than other children her or his age.
- Doesn’t reply when you call his or her name.
- Responds inappropriately to questions (misunderstands).
- Turns up the TV volume incredibly high or sits very close to the TV to hear.
- Has problems academically, especially if they weren’t present before.
- Has speech or language delays or problems articulating things.
- Watches others in order to imitate their actions, at home or in school.
- Complains of ear pain, earaches or noises.
What caused ?
Some babies are born. Many different things can cause this type, but it’s not always possible to pinpoint the precise cause. In about half of all cases, the cause is genetic—meaning, inherited from a parent.