Hearing screenings are often recommended when children present with delayed language. Hearing screenings can be completed quickly and easily and are painless for children. Ruling out hearing loss can be an important part of the speech therapy process, as hearing loss or even intermittent hearing difficulty due to recurrent ear infections or fluid in the ear can significantly impact a child’s language. If a child fails a hearing screening, a complete evaluation can be completed to assess more specifics, such as type, severity, and possible causes for the hearing loss.
Below are some signs that may indicate that a hearing screening is warranted:
- Babies don’t startle or react when there are loud noises
- Babies don’t recognize their parent’s voices and do not turn their heads toward new sounds
- Children may not respond to their name or it may take several times saying their name for them to attend
- They have delayed speech and language
- Children may turn one ear when listening or turn their head to hear better
- Older children may appear not to be paying attention in school or their grades may worsen
- The child may speak louder than others around them
- They may request the TV to be turned louder or frequently say “Huh?” or “What?”
- Their hearing may seem to be better at times and worse at other times
- They may appear to be intensely concentrating when you speak to them, or they watch your mouth while you are talking to them
If you notice any of these signs that may indicate hearing difficulty, ask your pediatrician for a hearing screening or contact an ENT or audiologist for a full hearing evaluation. The earlier a hearing loss is detected, the better the outcomes regarding diagnosis and early intervention!
Screening for Hearing Loss. CDC.gov. (2024, October 8). https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/screening/index.html
Childhood hearing screening. ASHA.org. (n.d.). https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/childhood-hearing-screening/
Hearing Health Foundation. (2022, March 3). 10 clues your child has a hearing loss. https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/10-clues-your-child-has-a-hearing-loss