How to Talk to Your Child About Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may affect up to 15 percent of children and adolescents, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), occurring either at birth or developing in early childhood. While hearing is typically screened in newborns, hearing loss that develops later may be difficult to detect. However, hearing loss can negatively impact your child’s social and cognitive development, leading to challenges if left unaddressed. If you’re a parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs of hearing loss in children and to know how to talk to your child about it.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Depending on the age of your child, the signs of hearing loss may vary. For younger children, you may notice that your child:

• Does not respond to noise or sound
• Does not respond to their name
• Has delayed speech
• Experiences frequent ear infections

In older children, you may notice your child having trouble hearing on the phone, needing to turn the volume up on TVs or other devices, and asking people to repeat themselves.

If you have concerns that your child may be experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to visit an audiologist for a hearing test. Pediatric audiology services can determine the extent of any hearing loss in your child and make recommendations on the best path forward. Depending on the degree of hearing loss your child is experiencing, your child may be fitted with a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Parent Tips for Hearing Loss in Children

Talking to your child about hearing loss can help them understand their condition and learn healthy habits like regularly wearing their hearing aid, practicing communication, and employing adaptation strategies. When talking to your child, it’s helpful to:

• Have face-to-face conversations so that your child can see your mouth while talking
• Minimize background noise and keep the area well-lit while having conversations
• Encourage conversing multiple times throughout the day, including during activities they enjoy
• Help them understand their condition and the importance of practicing good hearing health
• If your child has a hearing aid, help them learn how to put it in and adjust it

The First Step Is a Hearing Evaluation

The first step you should take if you suspect your child is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss is to get a professional diagnosis. A pediatric audiologist will be able to provide these services so that you can receive the answer you need. From there, your provider can discuss treatment options such as hearing aids and adaptation strategies for your child.

Your Source for Pediatric Audiology Services in Friendswood, TX

For families in the Friendswood, Texas, area, the clinic you can turn to for pediatric hearing evaluations is Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing. We offer hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, and related services to support the hearing and communication needs of children of all ages. If you’d like more information on our services or are ready to schedule an appointment, contact Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing today.