The document discusses the prevalence of hearing loss in children, highlighting that nearly 12% of kids between ages 6 and teen years experience it, often due to noise exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for normal language development, with the best outcomes for those diagnosed before 6 months of age. The document also emphasizes the importance of protecting children's hearing and recognizing early signs of hearing loss, urging parents to seek professional help if concerns arise.

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The Shocking Truth about Hearing Problems and Kids
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. Hearing loss is also the number one most common type of birth defect in the U.S.
Nearly 12,000 children are born each year with some type of hearing loss says the American Speech and
Language Association.
Some hearing loss can be prevented. – You may not realize
that noise related hearing loss is very common and it can
be avoided all together. Protect your kids’ ears with ear
plugs and/or earmuffs and turn down the volume on the
stereo, television, game systems and MP3 player to avoid
noise related hearing loss in your children and teens.
Speech and reading skills may be adversely affected by
hearing loss. – Children learn more about language from
birth to 3 years of age than they do at any other time in life
because during that time the brain is more receptive to learning language. 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.
Kids with hearing impairment can benefit greatly from early diagnosis and treatment. – The earlier in life
that hearing losses are identified, the more likely the child is to develop fully normal language skills.
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.
Childhood hearing losses aren’t necessarily lifelong.
- Not all hearing loss is the result of a long term permanent defect. Minor conditions such as a buildup of
earwax or an infection could cause reversible hearing loss. Medical treatment or minor surgery could be
the solution to some hearing loss issues, but early intervention is vital. Chronic (long term) ear infections

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could cause permanent hearing loss so be sure you seek professional help early on if ear infections are
suspected.
Hearing loss signs and symptoms are often times initially observed by parents.
- Many times parents are the first to recognize signs of hearing loss in infants and small children. Response
to your voice, noticing noises that toys make (such as rattles), and making babbling sounds are all signs to
observe for to ensure infants have normal hearing. When babies are nine months or older you should
notice that they understand and respond to basic requests and mimic sounds and noises made by others.
For a more in depth list of normal milestones for babies and young children to assess possible hearing loss,
ask your hearing specialist or audiologist. Be sure to find out about recommended screenings as well.