Know the Signs of Hearing Loss
Signs of hearing loss in children, youth and adults.
Find a Professional Through ASHA ProFindChildren
- 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)
What Parents Can Do
- See an audiologist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening
- See an audiologist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth)
- Ask your audiologist about the need for hearing aids or cochlear implants
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