Hearing Loss in Children

Early detection is key to speech, language, and learning success. We provide expert care to help children hear and thrive.

schedule an appointment

The Role of Hearing in Early Development

Hearing is the foundation for communication and speech development. The first three years of life are the most critical period of language development. As such, early identification and management of hearing loss is imperative for communication success. Prevalence of hearing loss is 2 to 3 of every 1000 births. This increases to 5 of every 1000 in children 3-17 years of age.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may be acquired after birth for various reasons. These reasons include but are not limited to:

Frequent ear infections

Viral or bacterial infections

Ototoxic medications

Head Injury

Exposure to very loud noise

Family history of hearing loss

Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies

Does not startle to loud noises

Does not turn toward a sound after 6 months of age

Is not developing babble/single words by one year of age

Appears to hear some sounds but not others

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Delayed speech development

Speech is not clear

Turns the tv or smart device up louder than expected

Frequently says “huh” or “what” or asks for repeats

Shows significant difficulty understanding speech in noise

If you are concerned that your child is showing signs of hearing loss, it is important to have your child’s hearing tested by a pediatric audiologist.

schedule an appointment

Next Steps After a Hearing Loss Diagnosis

For children newly identified with hearing loss, our goal is to maximize every child’s hearing potential. A referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat physician will likely be necessary to ensure medical management of hearing loss is pursued first. However, if hearing loss cannot be treated by medical means, rest-assured that our audiologists have expertise and provide the very best in hearing healthcare.

Our audiologists work with a variety of digital hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM Systems, BAHA, and other assistive listening devices. We work closely with each family to select the most appropriate technologies to meet your child’s needs.

Providing amplification for a child with hearing loss is important for learning and development. Research tells us that the number of words and ways in which a parent speaks to a child throughout their early years significantly impacts their communication development. The following are a few specific examples of the benefits of amplification:

Better hearing allows improved acquisition of speech and language skills
Children are better equipped to learn social relationships
Hearing aids provide improved ability to detect from where sound is coming
Improved hearing fosters progress in school performance

Looking for the Best in Hearing Healthcare for Your Child?

To schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Audiology or to learn more, contact us at (803) 620-8250 or fill out the contact form. Our audiologists are ready to assist your little one so they may achieve their best hearing and communication outcomes.

schedule an appointment