The CDC reports that 1 to 3 per 1,000 children suffer from hearing loss. Childhood hearing loss often goes undetected. This causes them to struggle to achieve developmental milestones.
Keep reading to learn what symptoms of childhood deafness to look out for in your own children.
The most identifiable sign of hearing loss in infancy and early childhood development is delayed speech development. You need to be mindful of developmental milestones.
Early detection and consultation with board-certified audiologists in Tampa, FL can help you cope. You need to be mindful when working with childhood hearing loss.
Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can help your child's speech and language development catch up to that of kids without hearing loss.
During infancy and early childhood development, you need to track your child's auditory development compared to their peers.
When children lose their hearing later in life, they develop coping techniques to compensate for their hearing loss. If you suspect that your child is losing their hearing later in life you should keep an eye on their academic performance and behavioral changes.
Most children around the age of 10 have a suitable level of reading comprehension and performance. Some children who struggle in elementary school do so due to unrecognized hearing loss. Poor reading abilities can be a sign of a hearing issue and if rectified can cause an immediate acceleration in their academic performance.
If your child listens to music or television louder than other members of your household, this may be a sign that they struggle to hear. If you struggle to hear you may want louder music. Our ears are complex and sensitive, so listening to music incredibly loud can actually cause damage as well.
Parents often get mad when their kid fails to follow directions or can't concentrate. This may not be an act of disrespect but a sign of hearing loss. Children that suffer from hearing loss struggle to participate in conversations and school.
Although concentration can also be a symptom of undiagnosed ADHD or ADD, don't shy away from having your child's hearing evaluated. Giving them the benefit of the doubt in situations like these can help you find a solution rather than be bogged down by parental frustration.
If you are worried about your child's hearing, discuss having them see an audiologist with your doctor or health care provider. An audiologist will be able to help determine if your child has a hearing issue and what the choices are for treatment.
Hearing loss in children often goes undetected and causes developmental delays in the long term. If your child is experiencing any symptoms of deafness you need to take action. Contact board-certified audiologists in Tampa, FL if you notice any signs of deafness in your child.