Friday, October 09, 2009
Hearing Aid Awareness Week a Time to Remember Importance of Early Detection of Hearing Loss
WHAT: The International Hearing Society (IHS) has declared October 18 to October 24, 2009 as Hearing Aid Awareness Week. Started in 1995, Hearing Aid Awareness Week is celebrated throughout the country. Presbyterian Hospital is celebrating Hearing Aid Awareness Week by sharing important information on hearing loss and children with the community.
WHEN: October 18 to 24, 2009
HOW: Andrea Bailey, manager of audiology for Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center Charlotte, offers the following advice:
Five Things Every Parent Should Know about Their Child’s Hearing
1. Recognize the symptoms. Delays in language development or the failure to develop language (spoken words) are the most important signs of hearing loss in children. Even mild hearing loss in one or both ears can affect how your child communicates with others and how he performs in school. A child with a hearing loss may have one or more of the following warning signs:
- Carefully watches the faces of speakers
- Uses the words "what?" or "huh?" many times a day
- Does not startle when she or he hears very loud sounds
- Recurrent ear infections with fluid for at least three months
- Has problems speaking, listening, learning and paying attention in school
2. Know the impact of early detection. Early identification leads to early intervention. Even if the hearing loss is mild, delaying diagnosis can lead to late development of speech and language, learning problems and social, emotional and behavioral problems that often lead to low self-confidence. This leads to additional needed resources, such as speech/language therapy and special education resources. Most children who are diagnosed during infancy and who receive early intervention services are mainstreamed into the regular classroom setting.
3. Be aware of the options. There are several methods for testing hearing and/or middle ear function in infants, toddlers and children. All tests are very safe and will not hurt your child. Each test checks a different part of the ear, so your child may have all of them as part of the evaluation.
4. Screen often for early detection. There are certain ages when children should have their hearing tested from infancy through adolescence and even into adulthood. Be sure that your child is having their hearing tested at the following ages in school, or contact a local audiologist to arrange a screening.
Ages at Which Hearing Screening Is Recommended
- Babies should be screened before they leave the hospital or before one month of age.
- Children should have their hearing tested upon first entry into school or sooner if they have risk factors for acquiring childhood hearing loss followed by every year from kindergarten through 3rd grade.
- 7th grade
- 11th grade
Other Instances in Which Children Should Have Their Hearing Tested
- Upon entrance into special education.
- When academic concerns arise.
- Upon entering a new school system without evidence of having passed a previous hearing screening.
After age 18, adults should have their hearing tested about once every 10 years until age 50. After age 50, people should have their hearing tested more often, about every three years or so.
5. Find resources. If you are concerned that your child may have difficulty hearing or understand or may be experiencing speech or language delays, contact find your local audiologist to schedule a hearing test. If it is determined they need a hearing aid, you will be given an aid to try for a trial period, usually 30 days.
NOTE: Andrea Bailey is available to assist as a media expert for the important health topic of hearing loss in children and adults. Please call 704-617-2631 to make arrangements for an interview with Bailey.
