Signs of Hearing Loss in Children
For children, hearing well is critical for speech and language development, learning, and building relationships with friends and family. In New Zealand, the Universal New Born Hearing Screening (UNHSEIP) program is in place to detect hearing loss in newborns early and manage it quickly. After passing the hearing screening, the parents must ensure their children's hearing is not affected by common illnesses, such as ear infections or a known family history of hearing loss. Identifying hearing loss signs and symptoms for each child can be challenging for parents. If you have any doubts, visiting your local hearing clinic for a hearing test is best.
Here are some common signs of babies and children with hearing loss
Signs in Babies
Signs in Toddler+
Signs in Baby
Doesn’t startle at loud noises.
Seems to hear some sounds but not others.
Does not turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age.
Does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age.
Signs in Toddler+
Seems to hear fine some of the time and then not respond at other times
Wants the TV volume loud
Asks to repeat or says "What?" more often
Moves one ear forward when listening, or he complains that he can only hear out of his "good ear"
Academic grades fall, or their teacher notes that they do not seem to hear or respond as well in the classroom as other children.
Looks at other children in the class to know what the teacher has instructed the class to do.
Says that they didn't hear you.
It seems your child is just not paying attention.
Starts to speak more loudly than previously.
Looks at you intensely when you speak to them, looking for visual cues for interpreting speech.
Children with short spans of concentration or not paying attention can cause some of the symptoms above. It is not uncommon to come across cases of unidentified hearing loss, which can be easily managed by referring the patient to other healthcare professionals, such as an ENT specialist or an Educational therapist.
Visiting a hearing clinic does not require a referral from your GP. If you have any doubts or concerns raised by your school, then we strongly recommend you have a hearing test to rule out potential hearing loss.
