As your infant develops, here are signs to look out for that indicate your child may have a hearing disability. Here, we look at what these typically present as, when you should book an appointment with your medical doctor for assessments and tips for parenting a child hard of hearing. #MedshieldMom
In March, World Hearing Day draws attention towards preventing deafness and hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care across the world. But what if a loved one of yours is born with a hearing impairment? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 34-million children worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss, many of whom are born with it or develop it in early childhood.
We’re here to help you recognise the early signs of hearing loss, which can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to communicate and thrive.
Signs of Hearing Impairment
If your baby is experiencing hearing difficulties, you may notice some of the following signs:
Newborn to 3 Months: Your baby does not startle or react to sudden loud noises; fails to turn their head towards sounds; does not respond to their parent’s voices.
4 to 6 Months: Your baby does not attempt to mimic sounds or babble; they seem indifferent to noisy toys or rattles; they show no response to their name.
7 to 12 Months: Your child does not say simple words like “mama” or “dada”; they struggle to localise where sounds are coming from, they do not react to music or talking.
If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to consult your medical doctor and visit a paediatrician or an audiologist as soon as possible. South Africa’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programme recommends that all newborns receive a hearing screening before one month of age. If a hearing loss is detected, intervention should begin before six months to support language and speech development.
Here are some tips for parenting a child with hearing impairments, but we recommend consulting with a specialist for the appropriate tailor-made care that your baby may require.
- Use visual and tactile communication – maintain eye contact, use hand gestures and explore sign language to enhance communication.
- Create a sound-friendly environment – minimise background noise and use visual cues to help your baby understand interactions.
- Professional support – such as speech therapy and audiology care to aid language acquisition.
- Consider hearing aids or implants – consult a specialist to determine if assistive hearing devices are suitable.
Raising a child with hearing loss may seem overwhelming, but there are effective ways to support their development. With early detection, medical intervention and parental support, children with hearing impairments can lead full and meaningful lives.