Hearing

Hearing and signs of hearing difficulties

Hearing is a critical part of a child's development. Even a mild or fluctuating hearing loss can affect a child's speech and language development. Early detection makes early treatment and prevention possible.

Signs of hearing difficulties include:

• Lack of response to everyday sounds
• Difficulty in locating the source of sounds
• A delay in understanding and using language
• Inattentive and unfocussed behaviour
• Constantly asking for what is said to be repeated
• Mispronouncing words slightly by confusing sounds
• Behavioural problems
• Staring at people's mouths when they talk
• Speaking very loudly.

General strategies to help children with hearing loss

Testing for hearing loss

There are different types of hearing loss. Some are caused by problems in the outer and, or middle ear eg, wax build-up, otitis media (glue ear). Other hearing losses are due to damage to the inner ear.

There are two main types of tests used to investigate hearing. A tympanogram is a procedure that can show how well the ear drum moves. It is helpful in identifying middle ear problems such as glue ear. Note: A child may have a normal tympanogram but still have difficulties hearing.

Audiologists test for damage to the inner ear.

If you are concerned about a child's hearing make a referral for a hearing assessment as soon as possible.

If you have a child in your centre with an identified hearing loss make sure that the Advisor on Deaf Children at your local GSE office has been notified. The advisor will be able to give specific advice related to the child's particular type and severity of hearing loss.

Strategies to help

• Gain the child's attention by saying his/her name first before speaking
• When it is culturally appropriate, gain eye contact with the child before speaking
• Keep a listening distance of within two metres
• Be aware of background noise
• If the child has not heard you, rephrase what you said rather than repeating word for word
• Check the child's understanding of instructions by asking a question like "What will you do now?" not "Did you hear me?" and not "Do you understand?"
• Use a clear voice with normal intonation. Never shout or speak too loudly as this distorts the sound
• Face the child while you are speaking
• Ensure light is on your face while you are speaking
• If you are unsure about the best way to help a child with hearing loss in your centre contact the Advisor on Deaf Children at GSE.