WARNING SIGNS: SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

There are many causes for hearing loss in children. Some problems occurred at birth, others from middle ear infections. You may notice that the baby is not reacting to sounds, some early warning signs to look for are:

INFANTS

• Not reacting normally to sounds

• Not startling with noise

• Trouble locating the source of sound or voices

• Speech delays

• Trouble developing correct speech sounds

• Your child may not respond to your voice

CHILDREN

• Difficulty following directions

• Speech delays or falling back in speech development

• Difficulties in school or sudden changes in academic performance

• Communication difficulties

• Behavioral problems

• Distracted

• Listening to the television or radio louder than others

Occasionally children with otitis media or middle ear infections may suffer hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor when you suspect an ear infection.

Here are some things to look for:

• Pull or rub an ear

• Be constantly cranky for no clear reason

• Stop paying attention

• Have little energy

• Not understand directions

• Often ask for the TV or radio to be louder

• Have a fever

• Have ear pain

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss can be different for each child. Even if your child has passed previous hearing tests, they could develop problems hearing later on.

RESOURCES
GROW BY WEBMD WEBMD.COM

Disclaimer
The information in this is for general purposes only, and should not be construed as a substituted for professional advice from your health professional. We do not support self-diagnosis based on any information found in this fact sheet. We are not responsible for any self-diagnosis made by a reader based on information found in this fact sheet. It is merely meant to be an informational tool to present warning signs that should be brought to the attention of a medical doctor.