You want your child to be strong, happy, and healthy as a parent. Hearing loss can derail these plans, resulting in various negative consequences. It can interfere with your child’s ability to communicate and understand speech and cause behavioral issues.
Children begin learning how to speak and understand language within the first 6 months of birth. If a child having hearing loss is diagnosed early, they can begin receiving treatment to improve their hearing to help them communicate. These early precautionary measures can prevent speech, learning, and social development delays.
If any problems are identified and treated early on, treatment will be more effective. A timely diagnosis will guarantee that you and your kids will have access to any additional support. If god forbid your child has any hearing issues, you’ll be glad you took up the hearing tests on time.
What are the signs of hearing loss in babies and children?
Newborn babies receive hearing screenings in hospitals or the weeks after work. Older children generally receive hearing screenings at school. But, it is a fact that hearing loss can develop during childhood. That’s why it is essential to watch for signs of hearing loss.
Some signs of hearing loss include:
- Hearing some of the sounds but not others
- Not able to react to loud noises
- Delayed speech
- Unclear speech
- Speaking loudly and many more
Without regular hearing tests, there’s a chance that a hearing problem could go undiagnosed for a long time. It’s essential to conduct routine screenings to identify hearing problems as early as possible.
How is Hearing Tested?
A specialist who tests hearing is called an audiologist. The type of test conducted depends on the child’s age, development, and health.
The most common hearing tests are behavioral hearing tests. These tests check a child’s response to calibrated speech. Babies or toddlers mostly turn their heads, and older kids mostly move a game piece in response to the sound.
Other tests can also be done if the kid is too young or cannot cooperate with behavioral testing.
What should you do if you think your child may have hearing loss?
If you think your child may have hearing loss, book a hearing test. If your child has hearing loss, your child’s healthcare provider may perform further hearing tests or exams. Healthcare providers will work closely with you to develop a plan to help your child and connect your child with appropriate services.
Hearing loss is a big problem, and parents should be aware of that. If you are a parent living in Chester and you think that your child may have hearing loss, you can book an appointment for a children’s hearing test in Chester today.
Hearing tests are a valuable tool for detecting hearing loss in children and preventing further problems. If you are concerned with your child’s hearing, schedule a hearing screening with their healthcare physician.
