Hearing plays a vital role in a child’s speech, language, social, and emotional development. Understanding the signs of hearing loss and getting prompt care can significantly impact a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and thrive.
Hearing loss in children can be caused by various factors. Some babies are born with congenital hearing loss due to genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy, or complications at birth. Other children may develop hearing issues later in life from frequent ear infections, exposure to loud noise, or head injuries.
Because hearing is closely tied to speech and learning, even mild hearing loss can lead to developmental delays.
Hearing and Communication Milestones to Identify:
- Birth to 3 months: Startles at loud sounds, soothed by familiar voices, coos, and makes pleasure sounds.
- 4 to 6 months: Turns head toward sounds, begins babbling with different sounds like “ba” or “da.”
- 7 months to 1 year: Responds to name, understands “no,” uses simple gestures like waving “bye-bye.”
- 1 to 2 years: Points to objects when named, says several single words, follows simple directions.
- 2 to 3 years: Uses two- to three-word phrases, understands differences like big/little, follows two-part requests.
Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice the signs. A child who doesn’t respond to their name, turns up the volume excessively, or speaks louder than normal may be struggling to hear. In school, hearing loss can lead to challenges with listening, learning, and following directions. Parents should trust their instincts if something feels off with their child’s hearing or speech development and not wait to talk to their pediatrician or seek an evaluation.
For families in the South Bay, the Torrance Outpatient Specialty Center, a satellite center of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, offers access to pediatric otolaryngologists who can assess children experiencing hearing issues. From there, children may be referred to audiologists and speech-language pathologists at the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital for specialized testing and support, including hearing aids and other interventions if needed.
The earlier a hearing condition is diagnosed, the more options are available for treatment and support. By staying alert to developmental milestones and seeking care when concerns arise, families can ensure their children have every opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. With early diagnosis, expert care, and today’s technology, children with hearing loss can lead full, vibrant lives — starting with the simple joy of hearing the world around them.
About Dr. Jenise Chappell:
Dr. Jenise Chappell evaluates, diagnoses and treats hearing loss, balance issues and tinnitus. Audiologists can care for patients of all ages and treat almost all types of hearing loss. As an audiologist, Dr. Chappell takes part in services like prescribing and fitting hearing aids, recommending assisted listening devices and providing hearing rehabilitation.
