Know the Signs of Hearing Loss

Signs of hearing loss in children, youth and adults.

Children

• Lack of attention to sounds (birth-1 year)
• Does not respond when you call his/her name (7 months-1 year)
• Does not follow simple directions (1-2 years)
• Shows delays in speech and language development (birth-3 years)
• Pulls or scratches at his/her ears
• Difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math
• Socially isolated and unhappy in school
• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

Adults

• Inattentiveness
• Buzzing or ringing in their ears
• Failure to respond to spoken words
• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)
• Muffled hearing
• Constant frustration hearing speech and other sounds
• Avoids conversation
• Social isolation
• Depression

Additional Resources