There’s a lot to think about when your child goes back to school, especially now during the ‘new normal.’ Between getting everything you need together and the new COVID restrictions, it’s enough to make any parent’s head spin. Unfortunately, back to school hearing health is crucial, yet often overlooked by many.
Back to School Hearing Health: Know the Signs of Hearing Loss
According to the Center for Disease Control, the signs of hearing loss in children include:
• Unclear speech
• Delayed speech
• Appears not to be paying attention
• Doesn’t follow directions
• Says “huh” often
• Has the television volume set high
If left untreated, hearing loss can severely impact your child’s performance in school and can have a negative impact on their social life. While it can be easy to mistake hearing loss or impaired hearing as a lack of attention and focus, you mustn’t assume it’s Attention Deficit Disorder. Attention Deficit Disorder and hearing loss share many of the same symptoms, so if you see these signs in your child, make sure to address their hearing health immediately. To help prevent your child from falling behind due to hearing loss, early intervention can help improve your child’s treatment options and allow them to reach their full potential.
Back to school hearing exams are necessary every year to address your child’s hearing health. While the school or your primary doctor may give your child a hearing screening, it may not be accurate. Since your child’s school nurse and primary doctor are not specialized in identifying and diagnosing conditions of the ear, it is essential to see an audiologist to get an accurate account of your child’s hearing. With the new school year upon us, now is the time to get your child to a hearing care professional to have his or her hearing health checked. If you live in the NYC metro area, contact the New York Hearing Center today to schedule an evaluation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs of hearing loss in children include unclear or delayed speech, frequently asking for repetitions such as saying 'huh,' appearing not to pay attention, not following directions, and having the television set at a high volume. Recognizing these symptoms early is vital to ensure appropriate intervention.
Hearing loss and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) share similar symptoms such as lack of attention and difficulty following instructions. Misinterpreting hearing loss as ADD can delay the correct diagnosis and treatment, hence it is important to evaluate your child's hearing health to ensure they receive the appropriate care and support.
Untreated hearing loss can significantly hinder a child's academic performance by making it difficult to hear teachers and participate in class. It can also negatively impact social interactions, leading to challenges in communication and forming relationships, which can affect overall development and confidence.
School hearing screenings may help identify potential issues but are not comprehensive or specialized. Since school nurses and primary doctors may not have the expertise to diagnose ear conditions accurately, it's important to have your child evaluated by a qualified audiologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Children should have their hearing checked annually, especially when starting a new school year, to monitor their hearing health and catch any issues early. Regular hearing exams ensure prompt intervention and help prevent academic or social difficulties related to hearing loss.
Parents in the NYC metro area should contact the New York Hearing Center to schedule a professional hearing evaluation for their child. Early evaluation by experienced audiologists ensures accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plans to support the child's hearing health and school success.
