Hearing Loss & Speech Pathology
Hearing Loss One of the FIRST things a Speech Pathologist or GP will recommend is a HEARING ASSESSMENT. Hearing assessments are important as they not only look at if a child can HEAR, they look at what TYPES of SOUNDS they can hear.
They also determine if an ear is working PROPERLY. This is different to the hearing assessment your child had shortly after birth. Most hearing loss happens after a child leaves the hospital. Many parents say "My child's hearing is fine! He responds to sounds and even runs to me when I open a packet of food". This does not mean that a child's hearing is okay.
Don't fall into this trap of assuming that the ears are functioning properly if a child is not reaching speech and language Milestones. Click here for a free download.
Ear infections (such as Otitis Media) are VERY COMMON in young children. In fact most children will experience an ear infection.
This can affect HEARING. If ear infections are persistent or common it impacts hearing even more. SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO SEE AN ENT (Ear, Nose Throat Dr) - Ears are 'wet' inside or have discharge coming out- Constant runny nose (or a 'cold' that never ends)- Irritable behaviour/Tired often/Fussy eating etc...- Cries when put on back (potential pressure in sinus)- Babbles but not often, or sometimes quieter- Puts hands over ears or shakes head- Cries often and potentially appears in pain_ OMP (open Mouth Posture) The mouth is often open- Seems to 'plateau' in sounds/talking (no changes in weeks/months)- Loses balance or falls more often ENT Drs diagnose middle ear problems. They also perform surgeries such as inserting Grommets and removing Adenoids.
Grommets are super tiny (the size of a larger cupcake sprinkle) plastic circles which are placed inside the ear to help drain any blockages of fluid. They naturally fall out within 6-12 months and no one would know that they are even there as they are deep inside the ear. The surgery is very common and often includes adenoids being 'shaved' or removed at the same time. Adenoids sit inside the head, just behind the nose. You can't see them when you look in a child's mouth, but some children have large adenoids which may be removed to help stop ear infections and help improve speech.
They are small little raspberry-like bundles of tissue which, if too large can impact on speech and language development and even snoring! As a Speech Pathologist I have seen BIG changes after children visit the ENT. Within 1 month a child may start using words, responding to instructions and engaging more. There are often waitlists, so it's important to as your GP for a referral ASAP if you have any concerns. I recommend ENT to families whenever I see the signs above. It's okay if you didn't know your child had hearing difficulties. It is commonly 'missed' and even professionals can not see some of the signs.
Hearing assessments are FREE in Australia for children 3.5 years -17 year with a Medicare Card.
