An estimated 5% of American children 18 years of age and younger suffer from hearing loss.*
If you suspect your child has hearing issues, come visit one of our experienced audiologists to conduct a hearing evaluation as soon as possible. If untreated, hearing conditions can affect school performance, future learning and behavior. Infants and children are developing skills that will serve them their entire lives. If spotted early enough, both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss may be treated before long-term impact on communication and learning skills occurs.
Getting Help
After reviewing your child’s audiometric test results and medical history, an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) can determine the best course of action. Most conductive hearing losses may be addressed with medical or surgical treatments. Although most sensorineural hearing losses are irreversible, hearing aids, FM systems and other alternative communication devices can help most children compensate.**
Hearing Aids For Children
The ear goes through a number of changes before it’s fully developed. While many models that fit entirely inside the ear (ITE) are available, we generally recommend behind-the-ear (BTE) models for children because ITE models won’t continue to fit properly as the ear grows. In addition, most BTEs can be used with specialized amplification systems at schools, while the ITE models cannot. Sometimes, children say they’d prefer a less visible aid, but many times an ITE isn’t a practical option. The goal should be to get the most effective hearing aid for your child.
Classroom Concerns
Children learn reading, writing and math by listening to their teachers and participating in class. That’s why hearing is especially important during the early years. Hearing issues may have an impact on a child’s ability to focus on the teacher, and children with even a mild hearing loss can miss up to 50% of what’s said in the classroom.
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* Source: American Speech-Language Hearing Association
** Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Individual experiences vary depending on the severity of hearing loss, accuracy of evaluation, proper fit, and ability to adapt to amplification.