If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, you want to do everything you can to ensure that it doesn’t hold them back from getting the most out of their education. Studies have shown that one of the best ways to help is by early intervention with hearing aids.
A study from the University of Iowa showed that hearing aids helped deaf or hard-of-hearing children learn language and speech better than children with untreated hearing loss. Researchers looked at 180 children between the ages of six months and seven years who were experiencing mild to severe hearing loss.
They found that children who used properly fitted hearing aids had better rates of language development than children with untreated hearing loss.
This study highlights the importance of quick interventions when it comes to treating your child’s hearing loss. The longer treatment is delayed, the more at a disadvantage your child will be. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association highlights four ways that hearing loss can affect children. These include:
- Delays in speech and language skills
- Learning problems in school
- Lower self-esteem
- Isolation from others
If left untreated, the gap between children with hearing loss and those without will only increase, and these issues can become more pronounced. While most babies in the United States go through newborn hearing screenings, their hearing health journey should not end there. If you suspect your child does not hear well, we suggest contacting an audiologist to see if they require further evaluation.
At Willamette ENT, we want every child with hearing loss to have the same opportunity to thrive in school as those with normal hearing have. We believe it is important for every person and every family to be proactive about their hearing health strategy.
Our expert hearing team is here to help ensure your child is given the best tools to succeed. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
“I came to be under Dr. Donovan's care during a medical emergency at the hospital. The care I received that day and in every interaction after, at Willamette ENT has been prompt, professional and very thorough. I feel very well cared for.”