Parents must remain vigilant in regular hearing assessments for their children. Hearing loss can impact speech and language development. Hearing loss is not incredibly common, however the Center for Disease Control is reporting increased incidents of hearing loss in children due to the noise environment we live in. The CDC reports that 5 in 1,000 children age 3 to 17 years of age suffer from hearing loss of some kind. In the past, most parents did not recognize hearing loss in their kids until about the age of 3 when they do not begin talking and hitting certain milestones. However, now there are methods for testing hearing in children younger than 3 years old so that steps can be taken to help with treatment and prevention of further hearing loss. Here are common signs of hearing loss in children.
For Babies:
- Does not wake up or even stir at loud sounds when asleep.
- Does not get startled by loud noises
- Does not respond to the sound of your voice.
- Does not calm down at the sound of familiar voices.
- Does not turn towards sounds.
- Does not take notice of rattles or other sound making toys.
- Does not start speaking at set milestones.
For Toddlers:
- Does not use voice to attract attention
- Does not repeat sounds you make
- Does not respond differently to changes in the tone of your voice.
- Misses milestone targets
- Can’t point to familiar objects when you name them.
- Does not follow simple voice requests.
- Can’t put more that two words together.
For Older Children
- Asks “what” often.
- Doesn’t reply when you call.
- Turns up the television volume louder than anyone else in the family.
- Having problems in school.
- Exhibiting speech articulation problems or delays.
- Often has difficulty understanding what people are saying.
- Listens to headphones too loud.
Have Your Child’s Hearing Assessed Today
Children’s hearing should be regularly assessed by a certified hearing care professional. If you see any of the above issues with your children, please contact us at Krista Szalc, Audiology, PLLC to schedule an appointment. We are also here to help if you have any questions regarding hearing loss in your children. Early detection can help prevent many different problems including medical issues and difficulties in school or socially.