As parents, we all want to be sure that our children are as happy and healthy as possible. We create structures in our lives that center around that wellness, and of course, it is our top priority that our children have the best life possible. If your child is sick or seems unhappy, it can consume you as a parent; the worries, the sleepless nights, the guilt and the stress can be overwhelming. However, at the end of the day, you know that you are doing everything you can to repair the situation and get back on track.
If your child is experiencing hearing loss, you may not know it at first. In fact, they may not know it at first! Especially if the child is young and not talking in full sentences yet, they may not know how to express that something feels different.
In this blog you’ll learn more about signs of child hearing loss and what to do if your child is exhibiting these signs!
Signs of child hearing loss
If your child was previously behaving normally and their behaviour or wellness changes, it is usually a sign that something is going on. Of course, children change as they grow up and develop new personality traits, but if something fundamental shifts, you should see a doctor with your child to make sure all is well.
Here are a few signs of child hearing loss. These symptoms don’t mean that your child is definitely losing hearing, but they might mean hearing loss is occurring.
- Speaking extra loudly. Children shout and scream – it’s in their nature! – but if your child is speaking particularly loudly all the time, it might be that they are compensating for inhibited hearing.
- Not hearing when you call them. If you call up the stairs to your child, asking them to get ready for school or come down for dinner, they will usually hear you pretty clearly. If they genuinely don’t hear you they could be experiencing hearing issues.
- Not getting what you said and needing you to repeat yourself often. If your child doesn’t hear you the first time over half of the time, this might indicate symptoms of hearing loss.
- Slow to learn speech and get muddled when speaking. Every child learns at a different rate; there is no ‘right’ pace for a child to learn to talk. However, if you feel that your child is far behind children of a similar age when learning to speak and listen, you may consider taking them for a hearing test.
Going for a hearing test with your child
If you are concerned for your child’s hearing, it’s time to take them for a doctor’s visit. A paediatrician will conduct a simple hearing test and ear exam, to assess whether or not your child requires further help with their hearing. A doctor can also assess what might be causing the hearing loss.
When it comes to explaining a hearing test to your child, you should remain totally calm about the situation. Even if you are worried sick, you should try not to project those fears onto your child. If your child is experiencing hearing loss, they might not really know what that means for them or for their future. Until you have a diagnosis, there’s no need to freak out – you will only rub those fears off onto your child and make the situation worse.
Your paediatrician will be well versed in helping stressed families to find the cause of the problem. They will likely be very friendly and calm when instructing your child in the hearing test. Try to sit back and let them do their job without getting too involved in the process, if you can.
Hearing loss solutions for children
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, you can buy hearing aids based on your physician’s recommendations. In addition, you can take your time to explain to them how this new contraption will help them with their school work, social life and to hear mommy and daddy better when they talk. This can take some adjustment, but in the end, your child will reap the benefits of a hearing aid!
If the hearing loss is caused by another health issue, your doctor will prescribe medications or further treatment based on their diagnosis. No matter how scary this process might be, at the end of it your family will come out of this experience stronger and more empowered.
Category: HealthTags: children
