We all want our children to have the best shot at life. It’s why we expect them to get good grades, make friends when they’re at school, and show kindness. We want what’s best for our children.
Hearing loss could be a huge roadblock for your child if left untreated. Tweet This
It can be caused by numerous ear infections, multiple illnesses, or noise exposure.
At the age of five, Joseph Martin was lucky to be fitted with a set of hearing aids that allowed him to finally hear. He could hear his parents well, and even hear small sounds like a grocery bag rattling in the wind.
Joseph had chronic ear infections. After a year of antibiotics and tubes put into his ears, he was recommended to us at A&E Audiology & Hearing Aid Center. Joseph, now 12, was five at the time.
Hearing loss is not something to mess with when it comes to children. Here are three reasons treating your child’s hearing loss could make all the difference.
As adults, it may not be easy for us to recognize the importance of communication when it comes to development. But for a child with hearing loss, they may suffer in ways you might not recognize.
Most children learn most of their language from their parents as their growing up. But, if they can’t hear well, their vocabulary is stunted, leaving them behind in comparison to other children their age. As time goes on, the gap between children with hearing loss and those without widens.
At A&E, we see the importance of this issue. Our own Dr. Lynda Steelman specializes in pediatrics, and has been seeing Joseph and his brother John since they were young.
“Dr. Steelman has been a godsend,” Joseph’s mom says. “She’s so compassionate and kind, and we just love her.”
One of the best parts of childhood is the friendships. Joseph’s mom explains that since he’s had his hearing aids, he’s been able to hear his friends, his teacher, and pick up on social cues he might have missed otherwise.
We know that hearing loss can cause social isolation, and for children, that could be detrimental. Tweet This
Healthy social development in toddlers leads to robust vocabulary, the ability to resist peer pressure as a teen, and thriving in the challenges of adulthood. But, if hearing loss is present and left untreated, it could lead to quite the opposite.
“We were the ones with the hearing smiles,” Joseph and John’s parents said, when their boys were able to hear clearly. John, Joseph’s little brother, now wears his hearing aids proudly because he sees his brother do the same. Both boys are engaging in life, school, and hobbies that allow them to thrive socially.
If your child complained of blurry vision and couldn’t see the whiteboard in their classroom, you would take them to the eye doctor. You know that if your child can’t see clearly, they can’t read well, do class work properly, or pay attention.
Hearing loss is similar, although, not quite as noticeable. A child who can’t hear clearly might stop trying. They might even choose disrupting behaviors instead. If they can’t hear, they most likely won’t pay attention.
Joseph and John Martin were both treated for their hearing loss early on, before they attended school on a regular basis. Early diagnosis allowed them the opportunity to enter school without feeling held back. Hearing loss doesn’t stand in their way, and we don’t think it should for your child, either.
At A&E, we care about the success of your children. We want them to thrive in all areas of life, in every opportunity, and without hindrance.
If you suspect any type of hearing loss in your child, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Early intervention is key. Together, we can give your child the best start possible.
Come experience A&E Audiology and our 5-star-rated West Township, PA, hearing specialist for hearing loss, hearing aids and tinnitus treatment.
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