When it comes to addressing hearing loss in children, there are often different symptoms you need to be aware of. Because infants and small children cannot fully communicate or understand the issues they are experiencing, it’s important to seek the guidance of a pediatric audiologist when signs of hearing loss in children occur. At Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Inc., we recognize diagnosing hearing loss at an early age is important to your child’s speech and language development, which is why you can count on us to educate you about this condition and offer the following services and solutions:
- Hearing Testing: For all ages. We are certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to provide comprehensive Auditory Brainstem Response(ABR) testing for babies who do not pass their Universal Newborn Hearing Screening.
- Hearing Aid Fitting and Repairs: We work will all major manufacturers and provide individualized solutions for each child.
- Cochlear Implants: We provide mapping and services for Cochlear Implant processors.
- Hearing Assistive Technology Fitting and Services: Hearing aids and cochlear implants work well, but there are times when extra listening help is needed. We offer and fit all types of Hearing Assistive Technology, such as FM/DM systems, remote microphone technology, and iPhone connectivity.
- Earmolds: Because infants and young children grow rapidly, it is common for them to need three to four (sometimes more) sets of earmolds per year. If earmolds do not fit well, sound can leak out of the ears. Then hearing aids are not as helpful and can make a “whistling” sound. We will see you and your child as often as necessary to ensure the best fitting earmolds.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: We work with your child’s physicians, therapists, educators and all others involved to make sure that we take the best approach possible.
Symptoms of hearing loss in children
Symptoms of hearing loss present differently in children than they do in adults, making early identification a crucial step in the treatment process. The most common signs of hearing loss in children include:
- Distracted behavior
- Failure to respond to direct questions or comments
- Limited or delayed speech
- Increased television volumes
- Difficulty in school
- Favoring one ear when listening
- Easily frustrated when receiving verbal instructions
If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms, have them evaluated by Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Inc. to determine if hearing loss is the cause.
Causes of pediatric hearing loss
There are a number of factors that can contribute to pediatric hearing loss, from premature birth and hereditary issues, to multiple ear infections and consistent noise exposure. With more than 18 years of experience in treating childhood hearing loss, our pediatric audiologists will not only identify any issues we find, but we will walk you through the process of finding the best solution for your particular preferences.
Pediatric hearing loss treatments
If we diagnose your child with hearing loss, we will likely recommend hearing aids as the best form of treatment. These devices come in a variety of styles, models and sizes, allowing you to select a hearing aid tailored to your child. We commonly recommend BTE devices for children because they are more adaptable to the anatomical changes of the auditory system during childhood growth than other hearing aid styles, as well as provide extra options for connectivity. We also work with Bone Anchored Hearing Systems as well as Cochlear Implants. We will work with you to find the solution your child needs.
Once you select the right device for your child’s needs, we will perform a fitting based on their level of hearing loss using best practices. After this time, we will educate you and your child on the proper care, maintenance and operation of the hearing aid, including how to properly remove and insert the device, as well as how to clean it, store it, and change the batteries or recharge the unit.
At Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Inc., we understand the importance clear hearing has on your child’s ability to communicate, learn and interact with the world around them. If you suspect hearing loss in your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced pediatric audiologists and schedule an appointment.