Signs of Hearing Loss

Growing YearsHearing loss can affect your child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. Early detection and intervention is important. If you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with your child’s doctor.

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for each child. Look for the following signs, even if your child has passed a hearing screening before.

 

Signs in Babies

  • Does not startle at loud noises.
  • Does not turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age.
  • Does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age.
  • Turns head when he or she sees you but not if you only call out his or her name. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.
  • Seems to hear some sounds but not others.

Signs in Children

  • Speech is delayed.
  • Speech is not clear.
  • Does not follow directions. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.
  • Often says, “Huh?”
  • Turns the TV volume up too high.

A child can have an increased risk of hearing loss if these conditions are present:

  • Genetics. 50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. About 30% of these babies have a “syndrome” in which other conditions in addition to the hearing loss (Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, etc.). A genetic cause may include family members with a hearing loss.
  • Complications during pregnancy and during birth. 25% or more of hearing loss in babies is due to exposure to maternal infections (cytomegalovirus (CMV)) during pregnancy, complications after birth, and head trauma.
  • 5 or more days in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or complications while in the NICU.
  • Babies who needed a blood transfusion to treat severe jaundice.
  • Misshaped head, face or ears.
  • Neurological disorders that may be associated with hearing loss.
  • Meningitis.
  • Head injury requiring a hospital stay.

25% of babies born with hearing loss has an unknown cause