Signs of hearing loss in adults and children
Left unaddressed, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health, physical safety, and quality of life. It can lead to a higher risk of social isolation, depression, falls and other injuries, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Identify the signs:
- Difficulty following conversations
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Hearing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears
- Failure to respond to spoken words
- Muffled hearing
- Constant frustration hearing speech and other sounds
- Avoidance of conversation
Children can also suffer from hearing loss. It is important that parents or caregivers follow the recommended well-child visit schedule so providers can assess your children. Children with hearing loss may have trouble learning to talk. The earlier you seek help for a communication disorder, the better.
What parents and caregivers can do:
- See an audiologist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening or school screening
- See an audiologist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth)
- See an audiologist if your child reports ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears.
- See an audiologist if your child reports any changes in their hearing or that hearing is muffled.
- If your child has hearing loss, ask their audiologist if your child qualifies for hearing devices – including those that would help with classroom listening
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide care and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. There are many types and degrees of hearing loss. Treatment will depend on the type of hearing loss you have.
The Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic is located on level 4 of the Clinic & Specialty Center. Ask your primary provider for a referral to audiology.
May is Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders.
