5 Signs That Your Child May Have Hearing Loss

You’re not alone if you’re concerned that your child may have hearing loss. According to the National Institutes of Health, about two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. While some causes of hearing loss are genetic or unavoidable, many things can increase a child’s risk, such as exposure to loud noise, certain medical conditions, and certain medications.

Knowing if your child has a hearing loss without professional testing can be difficult. If you notice any of the following in your child, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician or scheduling an appointment with a certified audiologist.

Lack of Attention to Sounds

Usually, when children hear a sound, they will look in the direction of the noise or show some sign of recognition. If your child doesn’t respond to sounds or reacts much less than their peers, that could indicate hearing loss. They may also not respond to their name when called or may not startle at loud noises.

Since hearing is one of the most essential body senses, any signs of hearing you should take loss seriously. Pay close attention to your child; if you think something is off, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment are critical for any hearing loss, so make sure to take action sooner rather than later.

Poor Speech Development

Speech development depends on a child’s ability to hear and process sounds. If your child is not meeting the usual milestones for speech, or their speech development is delayed, that may indicate hearing issues. Other signs of poor speech development include mispronouncing words or speaking with a monotone voice. Some children with mild hearing loss may also have difficulty understanding speech, so it’s essential to pay attention to how your child communicates. If they frequently misunderstand what you say or ask for clarification more often than their peers. That could indicate a hearing issue.

Frequent Ear Infections

Ear infections are pretty rare in adults but very common in children. While they can usually be treated with antibiotics if your child has frequent or recurring ear infections, that could indicate a problem, mainly if the infections occur in both ears. If so, you should get them to a specialist for testing as soon as possible. Professionals like HearCanada have a network of qualified specialists that can help. They can conduct different tests to determine what type of hearing loss your child has and devise a treatment plan.

Balance Problems

Balance problems can also be indicative of hearing issues in children. If you notice your child having difficulty standing or walking steadily, that could indicate a problem. When balance is affected by a hearing impairment, it’s called auditory-vestibular dysfunction. It can be treated with a variety of options.

Ear Wax Buildup

Ear wax is normal. It is the body’s natural way of protecting and cleaning the ear. However, when it builds up too much or becomes impacted, that could interfere with hearing. If you notice an accumulation of earwax in your child’s ears, it may be a sign of a problem and should be examined by a specialist as soon as possible.

If your child is showing any signs or symptoms of hearing loss, it’s best to get them tested as soon as possible. By detecting and treating hearing issues early, you can help ensure that your child reaches their full potential in life.