Hearing Problems in Children
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.
OVERVIEW
Why is it important to have my newborn baby screened for hearing problems?
Children learn how to talk by hearing and imitating the sounds of people around them. If your baby has a hearing problem, the use of a hearing device early on and other communication options can help avoid speech delays and problems.
SYMPTOMS
What are the signs of a hearing problem in a young child?
Signs of hearing loss in very young children may not be easy to notice. Hearing problems may not become obvious until children are 12 to 18 months of age, when they should begin saying their first words. Children who can’t hear well often respond to their environment by using their senses of sight and touch, which can hide their hearing problems.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTS
How will my healthcare provider diagnose my child?
Children who are born with hearing problems can usually be diagnosed with a hearing screening. All babies should have a hearing screening within 1 month after being born. Many hospitals screen newborn babies for hearing problems. If your newborn baby has not had a hearing screening, contact your healthcare provider.
Find out how your child is doing with their hearing and speech development by reviewing the milestones below. For more information, including milestones up to age 5, see the For More Information Section below. If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is important to contact your health care provider to see if your child should be checked for hearing problems.
By 6 Months of Age |
Yes |
No |
Does your child startle to loud sounds (by 3 months of age)? |
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Does your child smile at you by 3 months of age? |
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Does your child look at you and make eye contact when you talk to them? |
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Does your child turn their head/eyes toward voices and interesting sounds (example music or toys that make noise)? |
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Does your child babble for attention and make different sounds (like pa, ba, ma)? |
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Does your child make happy gurgling and cooing sounds, including when they are alone? |
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Does your child try to imitate a cough or other sounds (example ah and ba)? |
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Does your child recognize your voice and settle when you talk to them? |
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Does your child laugh and smile when playing social games (example peek-a-boo)? |
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Does your child make sounds back when you talk? |
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7-12 Months of Age |
Yes |
No |
Does your child respond to their name?
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Does your child babble and repeat sounds (example dadada, bababa), and make sounds back and forth with you? |
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Does your child respond to the phone ringing or a knock at the door? |
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Does your child like playing games like “peek-a-boo” or “patty cake” and lets you know that they want to play again if you stop? |
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Does your child look at pictures with you for a short time?
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Does your child gets what they want by using sounds and gestures (e.g., says “ah, ah” while reaching to be picked up, pointing, shaking head no)? |
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Does your child understand when you say “no” (they usually stop, at least for a moment)? |
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Does your child enjoy being around people and playing games like giving objects back and forth? |
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Does your child wave hi/bye? |
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Does your child follow simple directions (example, Where is your nose?)? |
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By 18 Months of Age |
Yes |
No |
Does my child use at least 20 words consistently? |
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Does my child follow directions like “give Mama the diaper” or “go get your shoes”? |
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Does my child respond with words or gestures when I ask them a simple question like “Where’s daddy?” |
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Does my child pretend with toys (e.g., stirs a toy spoon in a cup, drives a toy car, give Teddy a drink)? |
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Does my child make at least 4 of these speech sounds: b, p, m, n, d, g, w, h? |
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Can my child point to 5 or 6 body parts like “nose, feet, hands, head” when I ask them? |
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Does my child know what is going to happen if I say “lunch time” or “bath time? |
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Does my child ask for things, does my child look at me and use a gesture along with a sound or word? |
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Does your child look at your face when talking to you? |
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Does your child enjoy listening to storybooks? |
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TREATMENT
What if my child has a hearing problem?
Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent. Ear infections or fluid or pressure changes in the middle ear from other causes can cause temporary hearing problems that go away with time or treatment. Most permanent hearing problems are present at birth, and may be hereditary (run in families) or may be caused by medical problems. In some cases, the cause of a hearing problem may be unknown.
If your child has permanent hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider about communication options. Several types of hearing devices are available for children. Your healthcare provider may refer you to an audiologist (a healthcare provider who specializes in hearing problems) to help you decide which hearing device is right for your child. Your healthcare provider may also talk with you about other options to help your child communicate, such as lip-reading or sign language. Contact your healthcare provider about whether your child might also benefit from listening therapy or speech therapy.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
- My child’s hearing problem seemed to happen after he/she had an ear infection. Will it go away?
- My young child doesn’t react when I clap or say his/her name. Could he/she have a hearing problem?
- Many people in my family have hearing problems. How soon should I have my child tested?
- If my child is deaf, how can I communicate with him/her?
- I’ve heard about cochlear implants. Can you tell me about them?
- Should my child have a hearing aid?
- Will my child ever learn to talk?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres (including milestone information)
http://www.nshsc.nshealth.ca/
Health PEI- Audiology Services
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/audiology-services
Health PEI – Speech, language and hearing milestones
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/my_steps_in_development_brochure.pdf
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