Early Learning Project
Tip Sheet
Young children use all their senses-especially hearing-to explore their world. Temporary or permanent hearing loss may follow frequent ear infections, injuries, or disease. Hearing loss can slow language development and lead to other learning problems. In Illinois, the law requires all hospitals to test hearing in newborns. All preschools and licensed child care centers are required to screen children 3 years old or older every year. Parents and teachers also play an important role in identifying children who may need further screening.
What are the signs of normal hearing development?
- By 3 months, an infant responds to a parent's voice by becoming more alert. A 6-month-old turns toward a sound.
- At 12 months, a baby begins to imitate sounds and may say a few words, such as "mama" or "bye."
- Around 2 years, a toddler understands action words, such as "run," and can follow simple spoken directions.
Ask your health care provider for a hearing checklist or obtain free information by calling the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at 1-800-638-8255.
What are some common signs of hearing loss?
- A child with hearing loss may seem inattentive or resistant.
- He may misunderstand words or seem to hear some sounds but not others.
- She may turn a television or radio at a louder level than family or friends prefer.
- She may not seem to remember well or may not speak clearly.
What should I do if I suspect a child has hearing loss?
Ask the nurse consultant available through your child care program or your child's health care provider if screening by a trained professional might be needed.How important is treatment?
Early treatment can make a lifelong difference. Research shows that children born with hearing loss usually can begin school with normal language and learning skills if appropriate care is begun by 6 months of age. Treatment can include finding the underlying cause; making environmental changes; and providing training, exercises, hearing aids, or surgery. Treat any hearing loss quickly to avoid hearing-related learning and social problems.For references and Web sites related to hearing, see the following resources:
- Look Who's Listening to You!
http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/pat/February2009March2009page3.htm - Human Body Series: Hearing
http://kidshealth.org/classroom/prekto2/body/functions/hearing.pdf - Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Illinois
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30522 - Illinois Frequency of Hearing Screening
http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077006750B01100R.html - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/silence.asp - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org - Hearing Loss in Children
http://www.pamf.org/hearinghealth/facts/children.html - What to Do If Your Baby's Screening Reveals a Possible Hearing Problem
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/baby_screening.asp - Silence Isn't Always Golden: Infants and Young Children with Hearing Problems Can Have Difficulty Developing Speech and Language
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/silence.asp - Hearing Evaluation in Children
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/hear.html - How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm
Spanish: ¿Oyes tú lo que oigo yo?
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.