Around one in every ten children in the United States has a hearing problem. There are many different causes of hearing loss in children. It can be present at birth, or it can develop later in life as a result of an illness or injury. Hearing loss can also run in families.
If you think your child may have a hearing problem, it’s important to get them checked out by an audiologist as soon as possible. A hearing problem can affect your child’s ability to learn and communicate with others.
If you suspect that your child may have a hearing problem, there are a few key signs to look for:
Observe Your Child’s Speech
Another way to tell if your child might have hearing loss is by observing his or her speech development. If your child isn’t speaking as clearly as other children the same age, it could be because he or she can’t hear well. Hearing loss can also make it difficult for children to follow along in conversations or learn new words.
First, pay attention to whether your child responds to sound. For example, if you call your child’s name and they do not turn to look at you, this could be a sign of hearing loss. Additionally, watch to see if your child startles easily or if loud noises seem to bother them more than other children their age.
Pay Attention to Conversations
Another sign of hearing loss is if your child has difficulty understanding words or following along in conversations. If you find yourself having to repeat yourself often or your child seems to be guessing at what you’re saying, it is worth investigating further. Additionally, very young children with hearing problems may not babble or speak as early as their peers.
There are several types of hearing loss, so if you suspect that your child has a problem, it is important to get his or her hearing checked by an audiologist. Some common types of hearing loss in children include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.
What Hearing Aids are Available?
If you are looking for a hearing aid for your child, you might be wondering about the different styles available.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid: ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet type of hearing aid. They are custom-made to fit inside the ear canal and are often used for children who have mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid: Another common type of hearing aid is the behind-the-ear (BTE) style. This type of hearing aid sits behind the ear and is connected to a plastic ear mold that fits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are often recommended for children because they are easy to use and can be adjusted to fit each child’s individual needs. BTE hearing aids are typically recommended for children with moderate to severe hearing loss.
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid: The in-the-canal (ITC) style of hearing aid is similar to the ITE style, but it is smaller and fits further into the ear canal. ITC hearing aids are not as common as the other styles, but they can be useful for children who have mild or moderate hearing loss.
The type of hearing aid that is best for your child will also depend on their lifestyle and activities. BTE is a common option for children because this device can continue to grow with theme.
If you think your child may have a hearing difficulty, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a certified audiologist. During the appointment, the audiologist will conduct a series of tests to determine whether your child has hearing loss.
Many different tests can be used to determine whether a child has a hearing loss, including:
- A physical examination of the ear
- An audiometry test, which measures a person’s ability to hear different pitches and volumes
- An otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test, which measures how well the outer hair cells in the ear are working
If a hearing loss is diagnosed, the audiologist will then recommend the best course of treatment. Early intervention is key in helping children with hearing loss reach their fullest potential, so don’t wait if you think there may be an issue.
Your Solution
If you would like to learn more about hearing aids or find a provider near you, please call Professional Hearing Aid Associates at (785) 940-4101. They would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you and your child get started on the path to better hearing.
