Signs Your Child May Be Dealing With Hearing Loss


Hearing loss is most commonly associated with aging. However, it is also possible for children to lose their hearing as well. There are many reasons for this to happen. Some kids are born unable to hear, while other children lose their hearing due to chronic ear infections, repeated exposure to loud noises, certain diseases, and some medications. Regardless of the reason why, it is important that you be aware of the signs that your child may be experiencing a loss of hearing so that you can get your child to get the doctor for an examination. Here are some of the most common signs of hearing loss in children.

Increased Fatigue

It takes more energy than you realize to listen. So, with that being said, when you are dealing with hearing loss, you can only imagine the amount of energy that you would have to spend trying to hear sounds. Unfortunately, this can lead to excess fatigue. This is particularly true on especially busy days at school or when your child has spent time in a loud environment.

Distracted Behavior

Distracted behavior can be a sign of many things, including attention problems. However, it is also indicative of hearing loss for children. This is particularly true if there is background noise present when your child is distracted. Your child may be more distracted by the noise and unable to focus on what they need to be hearing.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, which is the formal term for the ringing of the ears, is often experienced in both children and adults alike who have problems with their hearing. For children, however, they may not realize that they are experiencing tinnitus. Instead, they may assume that they are just hearing things and assume it is just their imagination.

Dislike of Loud Environments

If you notice that your child is starting to avoid loud settings, this is a sign that your child may be having some issues with their hearing. After all, most kids don't mind loud sounds. In some instances, your child may start to become upset when they find themselves in this type of environment. This is because the additional effort that they must put in to hear is just too much and causes them to be uncomfortable and irritable.

If you have noticed any of the aforementioned signs, it is important to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. If your child is losing their hearing, there are options available, such as hearing aids, to help restore your child's hearing.