When a young child has hearing loss, it becomes virtually impossible to develop speech, language skills, and even social skills. That’s why it’s crucial to detect the problem early in life through a screening. If you have children or are planning to have them, keep reading to understand the developmental impact of untreated hearing loss in children.
Be Aware of the Signs of Pediatric Hearing Loss
If your young baby does not exhibit any type of startle when there is a loud
noise, seems to hear some sounds, but not all, if they do not say dada or mama by year one, or they do not turn their head when their name is called, these could be early signs of a hearing loss.
When a toddler’s speech is not clear or is delayed, if they don’t follow directions, say “huh” often, and turn up the TV or other device to hear it, these could be signs.
If your child is exhibiting any of these early signs of a hearing loss, contact Hearts for Hearing for a hearing screening.
What Are the Types of Hearing Loss in Children?
Hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and can occur when any part of the ear doesn’t function as it should: the outer, middle ear, or inner ear.
There are four types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss means something is stopping sound from reaching the middle ear. Medications or surgery may be used in some cases.
- Sensorineural hearing loss refers to a problem with the inner ear or the way the hearing nerve functions.
- A mixed hearing loss involves both conductive and sensorineural issues.
- Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is caused by damage to the inner ear and hearing nerve even though it enters the ear normally. Sounds are not organized the way the brain can understand.
Importance of Early Detection and Intervention
According to the NIH, 3 out of 1000 infants in the US are born with a measurable hearing loss in one or both ears. Although there is a high prevalence of hearing loss in infants, many times it is not discovered until later. Children with a speech or language delay or difficulty with articulation will benefit from a hearing evaluation even if they passed a newborn test. A hearing evaluation is invaluable at any age.
There are many long-term consequences of hearing loss, but they can be avoided and treated early before they begin to affect learning and other life skills, such as:
- Academic performance can be compromised, difficulty with communication, delayed language skills, difficulty with vocabulary, problems with speech clarity will all be affected without early detection and intervention.
- Social skills and relating to peers can become a problem.
- Emotionally it can lower self-esteem and affect confidence which can last a lifetime.
Pediatric Hearing Loss Care
Take action as soon as you learn your child has a hearing issue. Interventions like hearing aids, speech therapy, cochlear implants and early education programs can all help to improve outcomes for children with hearing loss. There are even assistive hearing devices for infants available now.
The most important thing you can do for your child is to have their hearing tested. With early treatment your child may learn to speak or use sign language as well as any other child who hears.
Audiologists at Hearts for Hearing can help you find the best treatment for your little one.