Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop many developmental skills which include language, speech, and even social skills. The sooner a child with hearing loss receives treatment, the more likely they are able to meet developmental milestones and to meet their full potential.

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss in children differ from child to child. Some signs and symptoms for infants can include not startling at loud sounds, seeming to hear some sounds but not others, and being mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring. In older children, speech may also be delayed or not very clear as well as having the need to turn up the TV volume too high. If you find that these are occurring, please speak with your pediatrician regarding a referral to an audiologist.

After performing a hearing evaluation, an audiologist can determine the proper treatment and intervention services. No single treatment is the answer for each child and family. Treatment plans should include monitoring and follow-ups on any changes needed along the way. Some of these options include communication strategies, technology to help with communication such as hearing aids, medicine/surgery to correct some types of hearing loss, and other family support services.

Overall, if you think your child might have hearing loss, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for a hearing screening or referral to audiology as soon as possible. Lemme Audiology Associates can evaluate the hearing health of infants, children and teens in all three of its locations. Just call (814) 941-7770 to schedule an appointment.

Elizabeth Zuniga – Audiology Extern at Lemme Audiology Associates

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