The development of hearing in a child is essential for learning, playing, and developing social skills. For example, the early stages of auditory and oral communication begins with a child imitating the sounds around them.
Even at later stages of development, a young child is still dependent upon the interpretation of speech and language for their development. Hearing loss that is left undetected or untreated can have damaging effects on a child’s development, delaying valuable speech and language development, bringing about social problems, and introducing academic difficulties.
There are many signs that your child may be experiencing hearing difficulties and it is important to know what those are. Here are just five of those signs, examples of what to watch for in pre-adolescent children. If you suspect that your child may be experiencing hearing loss or may require hearing aids, it is important to contact an audiologist service to schedule a hearing test.
#1 The Volume of the TV is Too High
If your child insists that the television be turned up exceptionally high, this might be an indication that your child cannot hear the television at normal volume levels. Alternatively, this could simply mean that your child prefers louder auditory stimulation. If you notice this development presents itself abruptly or if it’s a fairly new development, you may want to schedule a hearing test with your local audiologist.
#2 Your Child’s Hearing Fluctuates
It is not uncommon for a child’s hearing to fluctuate on a day to day basis. This could be either due to some form of conductive obstruction in the external ear canal (such as wax, beads, etc.) or behind the tympanic membrane (such as fluid, congestion, an ear infection, etc.). It is important that if you are seeing your child display symptoms of fluctuating hearing to seek a hearing test immediately.
#3 Your Child Speaks Exceptionally Loud
If your child has begun to speak at a louder volume, this might be evident of a more serious problem. If he/she cannot hear other sounds at age appropriate levels, they may also not be able to hear their own voice as well as they should.
#4 Speech or Language Delays and Concerns
Some children experience difficulties developing speech and language skills. This can be attributed to any number of different causes, hearing loss being merely one of them. If your child is experiencing delays in speech and language development, consider ruling out the possibility of hearing loss by scheduling a hearing test.
#5 Regular Headaches and Ear Aches
If your child is experiencing regular headaches and ear aches, you should see the family physician who will be able to give more information on whether hearing loss is a possibility. Typically a physician will want to make an appointment with an audiologist and schedule a hearing test for your child. The percentage of the under-18 population affected by hearing loss is approximately 2 in every 100 kids. Many of the children affected experience symptoms such as headaches and ear aches, and similar challenges.
The most effective treatment of hearing loss in children is early intervention. The majority of hearing loss conditions can be helped via modern technology and methods. Through early detection, one will also be able to maximize a child’s hearing, reverse the effects of hearing loss, mitigate the damage, and/or begin a recommended form of treatment.
If any of these symptoms exist or you have any concerns regarding your child’s hearing, schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. While hearing testing is no longer covered by OHIP, most insurance companies include audiology testing as an insured benefit.