Hearing loss can happen to anybody at any age, but when it comes to children, it can happen from new birth to their teen years. A child’s hearing can change gradually without anyone noticing and it can be overnight if there has been a trauma. If a baby or toddler is unable to hear certain sounds below a particular level, they could be diagnosed with hearing loss and it’s important that you get in touch with an audiologist to help.
The lowest threshold is around 20 decibels, and that’s the equivalent to whispers or a tap running in the kitchen. Hearing loss can be in one or both ears, and it can be something that’s diagnosed as early as the newborn hearing check within the first few days of birth. When you act early, you will be able to mitigate hearing loss as much as possible with supportive hearing aids or and reduce the likelihood of speech and language delays or learning difficulties.
Most babies have a free newborn hearing screening when they are born, and sometimes they can pass this test but then still show signs of hearing loss as they grow. There are plenty of conditions in younger children that point to hearing loss, such as glue, ear infections or blockages in the ear canal from fluid at birth.
Not all newborns who are marked as having failed the newborn hearing check are going to experience hearing issues all their lives. Understanding and recognizing the signs of hearing issues in children is important so that you’ll be able to contact an audiologist at your earliest convenience to get them assessed. Let’s take a look at some of those signs.
Children Are Not Participating
If your child is in a nursery setting or a school setting, they will be around other children of a similar age and a teacher or two will be leading their classroom. If your child is not participating in anything, or following directions or even responding to questions, it doesn’t always point to misbehavior. Some children simply cannot hear what is going on around them enough to be able to participate effectively, so they isolate themselves and play alone. If you notice that your child is not participating or not responding right away contact an audiologist for a hearing test.
Your Child Has a Speech or Language Delay
If your child is experiencing a speech or language delay, it’s essential to address the situation with care and attention. Speech and language delays can vary in causes impacting a child’s ability to communicate effectively. Signs of a speech or language delay include:
- They struggle to understand you when there is background noise especially.
- They ask you to repeat yourself often.
- There is no reaction to loud sounds.
- They do not turn towards a direction allowed sound is coming from.
If you suspect hearing loss in your child, the best thing that you can do is speak to an audiologist and have their hearing tested as soon as possible.
