Signs your child need a hearing Test

Children use their hearing to learn and speak as they grow. The impact of hearing loss on a child is very significant. Early detection and intervention are key to bring their life to normal.

Hearing loss can be present at birth(congenital) or they can occur after birth (acquired).

Signs of hearing loss in an infant or toddler

1. Does not react to sounds

2. Doesn't wake up/ startle even for loud sound

3. Doesn't smile when spoken from behind

4. Does not react to voice even when held closely.

5. Can't move eyes in direction of sound

6. Can't babble or produce sounds

7. Doesn't respond to his name

8. Can't pay any attention to music

9. Can't point to pictures or toys when asked

Signs of hearing loss in older children

1. Appear to hear fine sometimes and not responding at other times

2. Has speech or language delays

3. Misprouncing sounds/ words and lack of clarity in speech

4. Watch near the TV or wants to increase TV volume

5. Turn head and use one ear to listen

6. Speaks loudly

7. Looks at speaker's face/mouth to understand your words

8. Academic difficulties

9. Ask to repeat what others said

10. Loses interest in conversation or during story

11. Easily gets distracted

If your child has any of the above signs, visit an audiologst as soon as possible to get your child's hearing checked.