"Children identified as having a learning disability may actually have untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss should always be ruled out when there are academic and speech and language issues."
HEARING LOSS : PARENTS AND TEACHERS MAY NOT KNOW THE SIGNS
Here are some of the signs parents and teachers should look for:
- Child has difficulty following through with assignments and often doesn't seem to understand the task.
- Child often doesn't understand questions and either does not respond or doesn't respond appropriately.
- Child's speech is different from other children the same age. He/she may struggle to pronounce simple words or is unable to repeat a phrase. May have problems articulating or may have language delays.
- Child often asks you to repeat things or watches your face intently trying to understand what you're saying.
- Child has difficulty hearing on the phone.
- Child speaks loudly when not warranted.
- Child has chronic ear pain.
- Child often complains of noises he/she cannot identify.
- Child cannot keep up academically.
- Child appears exhausted at the end of the school day (more so than other children.)
- Child may turn up the volume on the computer, headphones or television so that it is louder than normal.
- Child appears to not be paying attention or ignoring people speaking to them.
- Child favors one ear over the other when using the phone, when choosing a seat, or when responding to questions
“Parents and teachers don’t always realize that a child’s behavior may be a sign of hearing loss,” Ramachandram. “If parents suspect an issue, they should have their child evaluated by an audiologist. Audiologists have the tools and training to identify hearing loss, degrees of hearing loss, and can recommend solutions for children of any age.” •
The American Academy of Audiology provides a list of licensed audiologists on its website at audiology.org
ABOUT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY
The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. Representing the interests of audiologists and future audiologists nationwide, the Academy is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. For more information, visit audiology.org