Signs of Pediatric Hearing Loss

Since screening newborns for hearing issues has become universal, most children with hearing issues are detected without the need for uncertainty. At least 80 to 90 percent of hearing loss are detected with these tests. This allows children to begin early intervention and attain the best possible results for communication and language development.

Some genetic hearing loss may not appear until a child is a toddler or even older. So it’s important to stay educated about the signs of childhood, or pediatric, hearing loss so as to identify any issues as quickly as possible. The sooner that you can take the next steps of testing, treatment, and management, the easier your child will adjust to their new reality and avoid any negative impacts.

Signs of Pediatric hearing loss in Infants and Toddlers

The one clue that can tip off parents or caretakers to hearing issues in babies is delayed or absent speech development.  Every child develops at different rates, so delayed speech does not necessarily mean that they have hearing loss, only a hearing test can determine that for sure. However, paying attention and watching for these critical developmental milestones can give you a head start if there is something going on.

Familiarize yourself with these important markers and discuss with your pediatrician any observations you think are important. All children develop at different rates but according to the Mayo Clinic these are the milestones to generally expect:

By the end of three months, your child might:

• Smile when you appear
• Make cooing sounds
• Quiet or smile when spoken to
• Seem to recognize your voice
• Cry differently for different needs

By the end of six months, your child might:

• Make gurgling sounds when playing with you or left alone
• Babble and make a variety of sounds
• Use his or her voice to express pleasure and displeasure
• Move his or her eyes in the direction of sounds
• Respond to changes in the tone of your voice
• Notice that some toys make sounds
• Pay attention to music

By the end of 12 months, your child might:

• Try imitating speech sounds
• Say a few words, such as “dada,” “mama” and “uh-oh”
• Understand simple instructions, such as “Come here”
• Recognize words for common items, such as “shoe”
• Turn and look in the direction of sounds

By the end of 18 months, your child might:

• Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts
• Follow simple directions accompanied by gestures
• Say as many as 10 words

By the end of 24 months, your child might:

• Use simple phrases, such as “more milk”
• Ask one- to two-word questions, such as “Go bye-bye?”
• Follow simple commands and understand simple questions
• Speak about 50 or more words
• Speak well enough to be understood at least half the time by you or other primary caregivers”

Identifying hearing loss as your child ages:

As children develop speech it may become more difficult to notice signs of hearing difficulties. This is because children tend to unconsciously develop coping techniques. They are not trying to hide it, but adjusting is just a natural process of the child’s mind. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate that your child is experiencing hearing loss.

1. They may seem to hear some of the time (perhaps when in eyesight of you) but not respond at other times.
2. They ask for the TV volume to be raised
3. They start saying “huh” or “what” more regularly
4. They begin to turn to one side when listening, or mention that they can hear better from one side.
5. Their grades fall, or their teacher mentions that they don’t seem to respond when the teacher is talking
6. They begin to speak louder than they used to.
7. They watch you closely when you speak. (they may be using visual cues to understand)

There are many causes of acquired hearing loss in early childhood. Often it has it’s roots in genetics, but not always. It is important to pay attention to any behavioral changes that could indicate hearing loss and to contact your pediatrician as soon as you can.  They will most likely refer them to an audiologist, who will work with you to make sure your child has the best treatments possible.