Hearing loss, whether being deaf or hard of hearing, is difficult to see in the young baby. Sometimes the loss is identified while the baby is still in the hospital. Many hospitals complete newborn hearing screenings to determine if a hearing loss is present. The results are not always accurate; however, it is critical for parents to take the results seriously. Sometimes hearing loss does not develop until later due to illness, infection, or certain hereditary factors.
As soon as a hearing loss is identified, parents should seek intervention for the child. Speech and language begin to develop at birth. The child with “normal hearing” is bombarded with words from the moment his parents hold him, seconds after his birth. Certainly, he does not understand their words, but he has exposure to language. The child who is deaf does not have the same language exposure. The child who is hard of hearing has limited or distorted exposure.
Medical Intervention
Sometimes hearing loss can be treated with medical intervention. This is often the case when there is a buildup of fluid in the ear. The doctor may prescribe medication to treat an infection. Sometimes tubes are surgically inserted to allow the fluid to drain.
Speech and Language Intervention
The baby with a hearing loss does not naturally learn the words and conversation patterns of those around him. It is impossible to learn what one has not heard or had not heard clearly. A speech and language therapist (often with a teacher of the hearing impaired) can offer sequential activities to build the child’s understanding of words and phrases.
Amplification Intervention
An audiologist will also be a part of the intervention team. She will determine if some type of amplification (such as a hearing aid) will benefit the child. In general, it is important for the child with a hearing loss to wear his hearing aids all the time (unless he will be in water or is sleeping). The constant exposure to speech and language that their other children receive when they are not in structured situations will reinforce the importance of wearing the amplification. In other words, people continue to talk, even when they are in the grocery store or on the soccer field. Consistently wearing amplification is important to develop communication skills.
Having some degree or type of hearing loss is commonplace; the initial steps to addressing it involve only three kinds of intervention. Seeking professional services in the medical, speech and language, and audiological fields and following their recommendations offers valuable intervention for the baby or child with a hearing impairment.
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