Worried about your baby’s hearing? Here’s what to watch for and how early help can make all the difference
Every parent worries about their child's development. From first smiles to first steps, the early milestones are closely watched – and hearing is no exception. But because hearing issues in infants are so difficult to spot, concerns often linger in the background, leading to anxiety and uncertainty.
Undiagnosed hearing loss can also have a profound impact on a child's speech, language, social skills and academic progress. Early detection and intervention are key. Yet many parents aren't sure what signs to look for or when to seek help.
At Hearology®, audiologists are keen to raise awareness. “It’s vital to identify hearing issues in infants early,” said the Co-founder, Vincent Howard. “The earlier you intervene, the better the outcomes for speech, learning and social development.”
What to watch for at different ages
Although every child develops at their own pace, there are key indicators that might suggest a hearing problem:
- 0 to 3 months: no startle response to loud noises, little reaction to familiar voices, or not calming down with soothing sounds
- 4 to 6 months: lack of reaction to their own name, no turning towards new sounds, little interest in musical toys
- 7 to 12 months: limited babbling, producing weak, inconsistent sounds or not mimicking simple sounds
- After one year: delayed speech, difficulty following simple one-step verbal instructions, or an over-reliance on gestures instead of words
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to book a hearing test with a paediatric audiologist without delay.
Early tests can change everything
The best way to spot potential hearing problems is through newborn hearing screening, ideally carried out shortly after birth. Tests like otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) can detect even subtle issues before they affect speech development.
If hearing loss is suspected later on, more detailed assessments such as behavioural audiometry and tympanometry (which checks for blocked ears or fluid behind the eardrum) can help pinpoint the cause. Sometimes, something as simple as ear wax removal or grommets can resolve the problem. In other cases, hearing aids or other interventions may be needed.
Certain factors increase the risk of hearing problems in babies – including premature birth, time spent in intensive care, severe jaundice, exposure to ototoxic medications, genetic conditions, or a family history of hearing loss.
Mild hearing loss matters too
Even a mild hearing loss can make it harder for a child to learn new words, understand speech in noisy environments, and develop correct pronunciation. Left untreated, it can lead to delays in language development, social difficulties and problems with reading and comprehension later on.
As Howard explained: “Children with mild hearing loss may miss soft speech sounds like ‘s’ and ‘f’. These gaps can really add up as they start to build their vocabulary and communication skills.”
Treatment options are better than ever
The right intervention depends on the type and severity of hearing loss:
- Medical treatment: antibiotics, ear tubes or surgery to address blockages, infections or fluid build-up
- Speech therapy: to strengthen language and communication skills
- Assistive devices: such as FM systems to help children hear better in noisy environments like classrooms
- Hearing aids: to amplify sounds for mild to moderate loss
- Cochlear implants: for severe or profound hearing loss where conventional aids are not effective
Whatever the approach, ongoing support from audiologists and speech therapists is critical to helping children thrive.
Early action, lasting impact
Early intervention not only supports better speech and social development, but gives children with hearing loss the tools they need to succeed – in school, in friendships, and in life.
If you are worried about your child’s hearing, don’t wait. A simple hearing test could open up an otherwise lost world of sound, language and connection.
References
- The Influence of Hearing Aids on the Speech and Language Development of Children With Hearing Loss - This study highlights the importance of hearing aids in improving speech and language development in children with hearing loss. It explains how early provision of hearing aids is crucial for mitigating the effects of hearing loss on communication skills.
- Effects of Hearing Loss on Development - This resource from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides detailed information on how hearing loss affects children's development, including vocabulary, sentence structure, academic achievement, and social functioning. It emphasizes the impact of early intervention.
- Speech and Language Development in the Context of Hearing Loss - The article from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discusses the factors affecting speech and language development in children with hearing loss, such as appropriate hearing technology, consistent exposure to spoken language, and therapy services.
- About Hearing Loss in Children - This webpage provides information on the importance of newborn hearing screening and early intervention for hearing loss. It also outlines risk factors for hearing loss in infants, such as prematurity and genetic syndromes.
