Safety and prevention

Detecting hearing problems

The sounds of childhood
The world of a young child is filled with all kinds of interesting sounds – from the telephone ringing to a dog barking to the sound of his own voice. So much depends on the ability to hear those sounds clearly.

Hearing problems can jeopardize learning language, interacting with others, and learning about the world. Hearing problems can stem from colds, ear infections or allergies. Treatment may be as simple as antibiotics or other medicine prescribed by your pediatrician or health care provider. But if not treated, an ear infection can get worse, possibly cause hearing loss and interfere with a child's learning.

How hearing develops
Even before birth, babies listen to sounds in the womb. After birth, babies quickly learn to recognize voices and identify favorite toys. By one year, your child should understand words, even though she may not be able to talk.

Good hearing is especially important when learning to speak. In fact, hearing problems may not show up until a year to 18-months-old, when children begin saying their first words. A mild hearing problem is one factor commonly considered when a child repeatedly confuses the sounds of letters. Sometimes, unaware of a child's hearing difficulty, parents confuse a child's unresponsiveness as being stubborn or having a learning disability. Discuss a complete lack of language development with your pediatrician.

Birth to two years
Have your child's hearing tested if you answer "No" to any of the following questions.

• Birth to three months: Is your baby startled by loud noises?
• Three to six months: Does your baby respond to your voice, enjoy rattles or other noisy toys?
• Six to 12 months: Does your baby respond to his or her name?
• 12 to 18 months: Does your baby understand "Bye-Bye" or "No?" Can your baby imitate simple words or sounds?
• Two years: Can your child point to familiar objects when you ask? Has your child started to talk?

School-aged children
A hearing test is recommended if you can answer "Yes" to the following.

• Does your child have problems paying attention in school?
• Does your child have a problem hearing when you speak from behind?
• Do you think your child can hear but only when he or she wants to hear?
• Do you think your child does not speak like his peers?

Preschool programs for hearing-impaired children are offered at hearing, speech and language centers. If a hearing loss is diagnosed, treatment can include medication, surgery, a hearing aid or all three. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce the effects of the hearing impairment.

Reviewed: Robert LaCamera, MD
Last revised: June 4, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.