According to the Hearing Health Foundation, about 80 to 90% of hearing disorders in newborns and children can be diagnosed when parents seek help. Unfortunately, not many parents or guardians know the exact things to look for in a child with a hearing impairment. Although there is no exact science that proves any natural methods to prevent hearing loss, there are interventions that can improve your child’s quality of life. In the meantime, you may read on to find out what 3 clues to look for that might indicate your child has a hearing problem.
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There is delayed or no speech development
There are essential milestones to observe as your child develops. For example, within a given period, your child should be able to lift their head. Sit up from a lying down position. Begin to crawl. And more! In the same way, you should notice positive speech development signs. But, most importantly, your tiny tot should be able to respond or react to sound. Below is a breakdown of what to look out for.
- At three months old: Reacts to sudden loud sounds, coos, turn their heads in the direction of a voice.
- At six months: Plays with their vocal sounds, laughs, and recognizes familiar voices.
- From nine to twenty-four months: A progressive development from babbling to making sounds (such as da-da-da), able to call ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy.’
However, when your child seems to have a delayed or no speech development, you should seek professional help to either rule out or confirm the obvious. The earlier it’s detected, the better your child can develop their speech.
[Read: 50 New Mom Questions – You’re Not Alone!]
They turn up the television volume frequently
If your child knows how to operate the TV remote, one clue to look out for is how often they turn up the volume. Usually, kids will turn up the volume just for the fun of it. However, you should be concerned when your child turns it up and complains about not being able to hear the television until it’s high enough. As a parent or guardian, you have the responsibility to ask questions.
First and foremost, dedicate time to watching your kid’s favorite cartoon shows, but the trick is to do it together. Set the volume to a safe level and wait for your child’s reaction. If they ask for a higher volume, ask them how. Repeat this activity on different occasions before seeking professional help.
They ask you to repeat your words more often than usual.
Usually, this is a sign of an auditory struggle. It’s either they have a problem making out certain consonant sounds, or they are learning to read your lips as a coping mechanism. In the latter, look directly at your child when you talk. Check if they’re looking into your eyes as you speak or at your mouth. Unfortunately, kids have no means to detect if they’re compensating for a hearing disorder with lip reading. That is why you must be an observant parent or guardian.
In conclusion, ear infections (otitis media) are pretty common in kids. However, repeat infections could pose severe risks to your child’s sense of hearing. Therefore, always be on guard as you look for more ways to ensure your child has perfect hearing.
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