Hearing Loss in Children



Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills.  The earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential.  If you are a parent and you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with your child’s doctor. Don’t wait!



Facts

 

A hearing loss can happen when any part of the ear is not working in the usual way. This includes the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, hearing (acoustic) nerve, and auditory system. Hearing loss can vary greatly among people and can be due to any of a number of causes.



Signs and Symptoms



The signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for each child. If you think that a child might have hearing loss, ask the child’s doctor for a hearing screening as soon as possible. Don’t wait!

Even if a child has passed a hearing screening before, it is important to look out for the following signs.



Signs in Babies

Does not startle at loud noises.

Does not turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age.

Does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age.

Turns head when he or she sees you but not if you only call out his or her name. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.

Seems to hear some sounds but not others.



Signs in Children

Speech is delayed.

Speech is not clear.

Does not follow directions. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.

Often says, “Huh?”

Turns the TV volume up too high.



Screening and Diagnosis



Hearing screening can tell if a child might have hearing loss. Hearing screening is easy and is not painful. In fact, babies are often asleep while being screened. It takes a very short time — usually only a few minutes.
Babies
All babies should have a hearing screening no later than 1 month of age. Most babies have their hearing screened while still in the hospital. If a baby does not pass a hearing screening, it's very important to get a full hearing test as soon as possible, but no later than 3 months of age.
Children
Children should have their hearing tested before they enter school or any time there is a concern about the child’s hearing. Children who do not pass the hearing screening need to get a full hearing test as soon as possible.



Treatments and Intervention Services



No single treatment or intervention is the answer for every person or family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way. There are many different types of communication options for people with hearing loss and for their families. Some of these options include:​

Learning other ways to communicate, such as sign language.​

Technology to help with communication, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Medicine and surgery to correct some types of hearing loss.

 



* information provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention*