Hearing loss can have a profound effect on a child’s development of speech, language and social skills. The sooner hearing loss is identified and addressed, the more effectively it can be managed. Prompt recognition and management of hearing loss during the early stages of a child’s life are essential for developing speech and language skills.
Types of Hearing Loss
From birth, children undergo screenings for hearing loss, which is a standard component of pediatric health care. These screenings continue regularly until they are ten years old.
Hearing loss is generally divided into two categories, conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss happens when an issue in the outer or middle ear blocks sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Common causes are fluids from colds, ear infections (otitis media), malfunctioning Eustachian tubes or a ruptured eardrum. Sensorineural hearing loss stems from damage to the inner ear or the neural pathways leading to the brain and can be caused by genetic factors, loud noise exposure, infections or birth complications.
Severity of Hearing Loss
The impact of hearing loss ranges from mild, with a child possibly missing 25% to 40% of speech sounds, to profound, where only very loud sounds might be perceptible, if at all. In young children, even a mild degree of hearing loss is significant, potentially affecting their speech development. Treatment for mild hearing loss often includes the use of hearing aids, and speech therapy can be instrumental in fostering language skills.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Children
Signs that might indicate a child is experiencing hearing loss at different developmental stages may include:
Babies (0-12 months)
- Lack of reaction to loud sounds.
- No turning towards sounds by six months.
- Not saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by their first birthday.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
- Delayed speech and language development.
- Often asking “what?” or saying “huh?”
- Turning up the TV volume very high.
- Shows signs of frustration in noisy environments like Ragle Park
Young Children (3-5 years)
- Inattentive to being called.
- Unclear speech or hard to understand.
- Often misinterprets questions and answers incorrectly.
- May seem to be daydreaming or not paying attention frequently.
Treatment Options
If you observe any of these signs with your child, it’s a good idea to make an appointment. Early intervention is beneficial and can range from hearing aids to more extensive treatments, depending on the nature and severity of the hearing loss.
Early detection and treatment are key to ensuring a child has the optimal opportunity to develop speech and language capabilities and thrive socially and academically. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Southwestern Hearing & Balance.