- Does not startle, move, cry or react in any way to unexpected
loud noises,
- Does not awaken to loud noises,
- Does not turn his/her head
in the direction of your voice, or
- Does not freely imitate
sound,
He or she may have some degree of hearing loss.
More than three million American children have a hearing loss.
An estimated 1.3 million of these children are under three years
of age. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to discover
hearing loss in a baby, because they spend the most time with
them. If at any time you suspect your baby has a hearing loss,
discuss it with your doctor. He or she may recommend evaluation
by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon (ear, nose and throat
specialist).
Hearing loss can be temporary, caused by earwax or middle ear
infections. Many children with temporary hearing loss can have
their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery.
However, some children have sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes
called nerve deafness), which is permanent. Most of these children
have some usable hearing, and children as young as three months
of age can be fitted with hearing aids. Early diagnosis, early
fitting of hearing or other prosthetic aids, and an early start
on special education programs can help maximize a child's existing
hearing. This means your child will get a head start on speech
and language development.
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
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