Be sure to ask your hearing specialist or audiologist for a more conclusive list of signs and symptoms to watch for, as well as his/her recommendation on when your child should have a professional hearing screening.

1. Advanced Hearing Center UT | (801) 386-8552 | http://advancedhearing.org
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Read These Facts on Speech, Hearing Loss, and Children
Loss of hearing can occur during childhood, adolescents, or even at birth. According to experts at the
Academy of Audiology, nearly 12% of younger kids from age 6 through the teen years have hearing loss
resulting from noise. The birth defect occurring most frequently in our country is hearing loss. According to
the American Speech and Language Association, that number translates to around 12,000 kids each year
who are born with hearing loss.
Some hearing loss in kids can be reversible.
- Hearing loss could be a temporary problem in some
children resulting from issues such as ear wax occluding
the middle ear, or ear infections. Some conditions resulting
in hearing loss are temporary and can be resolved with
medical treatment or minor surgery. Ear infections left
untreated could cause permanent hearing loss, so be sure
to seek medical attention right away when there is a
possibility of ear infections.
Kids with hearing impairment can benefit greatly from early diagnosis and treatment. – Early
identification and assessment of hearing losses is vital. Children whose hearing loss was identified before 6
months of age showed dramatic gains in language skill development compared to those diagnosed after 6
months of age. This difference was due to early treatment.
Speech and reading skills may be adversely affected by hearing loss. – During the formative years
between birth and 3, kids have a keen ability to learn language skills. Hearing is vital to normal speech
development because this process begins in young children with the ability to listen. Good language skills
are very important in order for a young child to learn how to read.
Some hearing loss can be prevented. – It may be surprising to note that noise related hearing loss is 100
percent avoidable. It’s important to learn how to use protective gear such as earplugs and earmuffs to
prevent loud noises from causing damage. And, be sure to keep the volume down on electronic devices.
Parents may be the first to notice symptoms of hearing loss in kids.

2. Advanced Hearing Center UT | (801) 386-8552 | http://advancedhearing.org
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- Parents are many times the first to notice symptoms of hearing loss in infants such as: no reaction to
noises made by toys or not making babbling sounds like normal infants. At 9 months your baby should
respond to the sound of his/her name, repeat back some noises he/she hears and follow simple
commands. Be sure to ask your hearing specialist or audiologist for a more conclusive list of signs and
symptoms to watch for, as well as his/her recommendation on when your child should have a professional
hearing screening.