A Parent’s checklist guide to hearing loss (Part 2)

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect in the US. (1) Parents are encouraged to be proactive about a child’s hearing, speech and language development. These are some of the steps a parent can take to tract your child’s development. The following checklist is provided as a ‘guide’ by the American Academy of Otolaryngology to determine if your child has a loss of hearing. Check only those factors that apply to you, your family or your child. (2)

Indications for hearing loss — check each item that applies

During Pregnancy

Mother had German measles, a viral infection or flu
Mother drank alcoholic beverages

My Newborn (Birth to 28 days of age)

Weighed less than 3.5 pounds at birth
Has an unusual appearance of face or ears
Was Jaundiced (yellow skin) at birth and had an exchange blood transfusion
Was in neonatal intensive care unit (NICA) for more than five days
Received an antibiotic medication given through a needle in a vein
Had meningitis

My family

Has one or more individuals with permanent or progressive hearing loss that was present before the age of five

My Infant (29 Days to Age Two Years)

Received an antibiotic medication given through a needle in a vein
Had Meningitis
Had neurological disorder
Had a serious injury with a fracture of the skull with or without bleeding from the ear
Had recurring ear infections with fluid in the ears for more than three months

Response to the Environment (speech and language development)

Newborns (Birth to Six Months)

Does not startle, move, cry or react in any way to unexpected loud noises
Does not awaken in loud noises
Does not freely imitate sound
Cannot be soothed by voice alone
Does not turn his/her head in the direction of any voice

Young Infant (6 through 12 months)

Does not point to familiar persons or objects when asked
Does not babble or babbling has stopped
By 12 months is not understanding simple phrases such as “wave bye- bye,” or “clap hands” by listening alone

My Infant (13 Months through Two Years)

Does not accurately turn in the direction of a soft voice on the first call
Is not alert to environmental sound
Does not respond to first call
Does not respond to sound or does not locate where sound is coming from
Does not begin to initiate and use simple words for familiar people and things around the home
Does not sound like or use speech like other children or similar age
Does not listen to TV at a normal volume
Does not show consistent growth in the understanding and the use of words

If you checked one or more of these indicators, seek professional help for your child. If you did not check any of the factors, but suspect your child has a loss of hearing, have his/her hearing tested. (2)

Twelve thousand children are born annually in the US with some degree of hearing impairment. (1) It is imperative for newborns to get their hearing screened to diagnose any hearing abnormality because early intervention is crucial to their growth and development.

Most children with hearing loss, who receive appropriate services from trained staff at the right time, are able to progress at age-appropriate rates.(3) Hearing aids, cochlear implants and counseling have dramatically improved the outlook for both children and parents.

References

1. White, 1997; cited by ASHA American Speech and Hearing Association
2. The American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
3. Gees et al; 2008.