How do humans learn language? The answer for most people is that they learn, by listening to the people around them, how to form the words and sounds that eventually lead to language acquisition. Therefore, for children who are born with hearing loss or develop it at a very young age, learning to speak and use language can be very difficult.
Here at Hidden Hearing, we work with children with hearing loss to give them the best experience of language that is available to them. This is often achieved using hearing aids or cochlear implants, which can enable the listen and repeat patterns that develop language. We understand that it can be overwhelming to visit an audiologist, and our friendly team will help to put your child at ease.
Understanding Speech And Language Delay:
- Signs of language delay. Newborn babies are offered a hearing screening within the first few days or weeks after birth, and this is repeated if any difficulties with hearing are registered. Congenital problems are usually picked up via this process, but hearing loss can develop at any stage so it is important to be aware that inconsistent reactions to sounds, or speech that is unclear, may be signs that hearing loss is present in a young child.
- Hearing loss can worsen. Any hearing loss is likely to deteriorate further over time if it is not treated, but the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants can prevent this. If hearing aids or cochlear implants are used at all times, sounds will be amplified and children with hearing loss can learn and understand speech and language more effectively.
- Help is available. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by a diagnosis of hearing loss, but it is possible to seek advice and help from many experienced organisations, as well as your audiology team. You may be able to access support with learning sign language or cued speech, which can be extremely useful for children in particular.
- Hearing technology is developing. Digital hearing aids are extremely highly sophisticated and offer a great solution for hearing loss in many patients. Some digital hearing aids sit entirely inside the ear canal and cannot be seen by other people, while some devices have the ability to work with bluetooth phones and MP3 players to make hearing aids a useful asset to young people.
Book A Free Hearing Test at Hidden Hearing
If you think that you or your child may be experiencing hearing loss, you should make an appointment to see an audiologist as soon as possible.
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions, and our national network includes over seventy-five branches and clinics. Simply contact Hidden Hearing online today, or pop into your local branch.