Does Your Child Have Hearing Loss?

Have Your Child Screened by an Audiologist if You Suspect Hearing Loss

As children get back to school, keep in mind that academic struggles may be a sign of hearing loss

According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. The total number of children with some type of hearing loss is unknown and many cases go undiagnosed. Children with mild hearing loss may go undetected but could experience an impact on their learning ability and schoolwork. The American Academy of Audiology is working to educate the public on the importance of hearing health, particularly in children.

While most infants’ hearing is tested, ear infections in subsequent years and exposure to loud noises as well as various illness or genetic traits can lead to hearing loss. Five out of six children experience ear infections in their first three years.

“A child with just minor hearing loss can be missing 50 percent of the classroom discussion,” said Jackie Clark, Ph.D., president of the American Academy of Audiology. “There are children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability when really what they need are hearing aids.”

Lack of hearing can lead to behavioral issues, lack of focus, even depression in children. Children with hearing loss often don’t recognize that they can’t hear and parents don’t always know the signs.

Here are some of the signs parents and teachers should look for:

Child has difficulty following through with assignments and often doesn’t seem to
understand the task
Child often doesn’t understand questions and either does not respond or doesn’t respond appropriately
Child’s speech is different from other children the same age. He/she may struggle to pronounce simple words or is unable to repeat a phrase. May have problems articulating or language delays.
Child often asks you to repeat things or watches your face intently trying to understand what you’re saying
Child has difficulty hearing on the phone
Child speaks loudly when not warranted
Child has chronic ear pain
Child often complains of noises he/she cannot identify
Child cannot keep up academically

“Often parents and teachers overlook the fact that a child’s behavior may be a sign of hearing loss,” Clark explained. “If parents suspect an issue, they should have their child evaluated by an audiologist. Audiologists have the tools and training to identify hearing loss, degrees of hearing loss, and can recommend solutions.”

The American Academy of Audiology provides a list of licensed audiologists on its website:www.audiology.org. Click on “Find an Audiologist.”

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The American Academy of Audiology is the world’s largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. The active membership of more than 12,000 is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. For more information or to find an audiologist, go to www.howsyourhearing.org.