You may associate hearing loss with old age, but the truth is that it can affect anyone, including children. It’s essential to identify and treat hearing loss early, especially in kids, as it is a key sense when it comes to developing speech and language skills. Be sure to know the signs of hearing loss so you can get your child the help they need right away.
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
In order to prevent babies born with hearing loss from going undiagnosed and untreated, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program was passed in 2000, requiring all babies in the U.S. receive:
- Initial hearing loss screenings at birth
- Audiological diagnostic evaluations confirming hearing loss by three months
- Early intervention services by six months
Though this program helps identify children born with hearing loss, it’s also possible for them to develop it later in childhood.
Hearing and Speech Milestones
Below are the hearing and speech milestones to look out for to ensure your child is on track developmentally:
Birth to Four Months
- Startle at loud sounds
- Wake or stir at sudden noises
- Respond to your voice by smiling or cooing
- Calm down at a familiar voice
Four to Nine Months
- Smile when spoken to
- Notice toys that make sounds
- Turn their head toward familiar sounds
- Make babbling noises
Nine to Fifteen Months
- Repeat simple sounds
- Understand basic requests
- Use their voice to get your attention
- Respond to their name
Fifteen to Twenty-Four Months
- Use many simple words
- Point to body parts when asked
- Name common objects
- Follow basic commands
Toddler and School-Age
In some ways, it’s harder to identify the symptoms in hearing loss in older children, as their hearing problems may be attributed to behavioral problems or learning disabilities. We recommend parents, teachers and administrators at Grand Forks Public Schools look out for these signs of hearing loss:
- Responding incorrectly/inappropriately to questions
- Turning the TV up too high or sitting closer in order to hear
- Saying “what?” or “huh?” many times a day
- Doing poorly in school when they were not having trouble before
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the experts at Fire Audiology & Hearing Center today.