Hearing Loss
in Children
The signs of hearing loss aren’t always obvious. Here are some things to look for, plus a guide to hearing and speech development in young children. Check the best hearing loss treatment with hearing aid centre in delhi.
Hearing loss in children
You may not know if your child has hearing loss — especially if they haven’t started talking. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms now, so you can be ready to take action. hearing loss in children
Some possible signs of hearing loss in an infant or toddler
• Does not react to loud sounds. hearing loss in children
• Does not seek out or detect where sound is coming from
• Has stopped babbling and experimenting with making sounds
• Still babbles but is not progressing to more understandable speech
• Doesn’t react to voices, even when being held. hearing loss in children
Ages and stages that children typically learn to listen and speak
Age
Birth to three months
Hearing and Understanding
Startles at loud sounds
Smiles when spoken to
Seems to recognise parent’s voice and quietens if crying
Changes sucking behaviour in response to sound
Speech and language
Makes cooing sounds
Cries differently for different needs
Smiles when sees the parent
Age
4 – 6 months
Hearing and Understanding
Moves eyes in direction of sounds
Responds to changes in tone of your voice
Notices toys that make sounds
Pays attention to music
Speech and language
Babbling sounds are becoming more speech-like
Vocalises excitement and displeasure
Makes gurgling sounds when left alone and when playing with you
Age
7 months – 1 year
Hearing and Understanding
Enjoys games like “Where is mama?” and Round and round
Turns to look in the direction of sounds
Listens when spoken to
Recognises words for common items like “cup”, “ball”
Speech and language
Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as “up-up-up/down”
Uses speech or non-crying sound to get and keep attention
Imitates different speech sounds
Has one or two words (“bye-bye”, “dada”, “mama”), although they may not be clear
Age
1 – 2 years
Hearing and Understanding
Points to a few body parts when asked
Follows simple commands and understands simple questions
Listens to simple stories, songs and rhymes
Points to pictures in a book when named
Speech and language
Says more words every month
Uses one- to two-word questions (“where doggy?”)
Puts two words together (“more chocolate”)
Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words
Possible Signs of Hearing Loss
Some possible signs of hearing loss in a school-aged child
• Is easily frustrated or experiences communication breakdowns.
• Is falling behind with speech and communication skills.
• Relies on lip-reading.
• Is exhausted at the end of school from concentrating to understand speech.
What to do if you think your child has hearing loss
The first step is to see your child’s doctor and let them know about your concerns. He or she may check your child’s ears and can refer to audiologist for Hearing screening test.
• OAE
• BERA
• ASSR
& if Hearing loss exist than they may benefit from Hearing aid / Cochlear Implants followed be Speech Therapy.
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