When children with hearing loss in both ears are treated in accordance with Early Hearing Detection and Intervention guidelines, they can improve their vocabulary skills. According to a recent small study, hearing-impaired children who met all three components of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention guidelines (hearing screening by 1 month, diagnosis of hearing loss by 3 months, and intervention by 6 months) had significantly higher vocabularies than those who did not. Aside from experiencing better language outcomes, the children treated to early intervention also gained long-term benefits in reading ability. These findings provide strong incentive to test newborns’ hearing and provide those in need with treatment as soon as possible.
P.S. Most infant hearing screening tests are performed prior to discharge from the hospital or birthing clinic.
As a primary source of information for learning, the auditory system is key for a child’s healthy development. Because there are many different reasons for any hearing loss, early detection is crucial to successfully addressing the impairment. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s hearing, or to make an appointment to have your own hearing tested, please call us at EAR & HEARING CLINIC. We fit hearing devices for the whole family, including infants. “Hear the Sounds of Life.”
