Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Children

Childrens Hearing

Child writing in school book-Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing plays a vital role in a child’s development, influencing their speech, language, learning, and social interactions. Identifying hearing loss early is crucial to ensuring children receive the support they need for healthy development. As a parent or caregiver, recognising the signs of hearing difficulties can help you seek timely intervention from an audiologist or hearing aid specialist.

Australia’s world-leading support for children with hearing loss

Australia is recognised as a global leader in supporting children with hearing loss. While the government oversees the fitting of hearing aids for children, clinics such as Knox Audiology play a key role in paediatric hearing assessments, early detection of hearing issues, and preventative measures such as ear plugs for swimming.

Common causes of temporary and preventable hearing loss in children

Not all hearing loss in children is permanent. Temporary hearing loss can arise from various common conditions, many of which are treatable. Understanding these conditions can help parents take preventive measures and seek timely intervention.

Otitis media (glue ear)

Otitis media, commonly known as glue ear, is one of the leading causes of temporary hearing loss in children. This condition occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, often following a cold or respiratory infection. Symptoms include:

  • Muffled or reduced hearing
  • Complaints of ear pain or discomfort
  • Frequent ear rubbing or pulling
  • Delayed speech development if the condition persists

Glue ear often resolves on its own, but if symptoms persist, a hearing test with an audiologist at Knox Audiology can determine the best course of action.

Ear infections from swimming

Swimming is a great activity for children, but repeated exposure to water can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear (outer ear infections). Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, leading to infections that can cause temporary hearing loss. Signs of an ear infection from swimming include:

  • Ear pain or itching
  • Fluid drainage from the ear
  • Redness or swelling around the ear
  • Difficulty hearing due to blocked ear canals

Wearing custom ear plugs for swimming can help prevent water from entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of infections. At Knox Audiology, our experienced paediatric audiologists can take moulds of your child’s ears for custom-made swim plugs.

Auditory processing disorder (APD)

Not all hearing difficulties in children are due to problems with the ears themselves. Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects how the brain processes sounds, even when a child’s hearing ability is normal. Children with APD may struggle to understand speech in noisy environments, follow multi-step instructions, or distinguish between similar sounds. Common signs of APD include:

  • Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy settings
  • Struggling to remember verbal instructions
  • Frequently mishearing words or asking for repetition
  • Challenges with reading and spelling
  • Trouble locating the source of a sound

A specialised paediatric hearing test at Knox Audiology can help determine whether a child has APD and what strategies or interventions may be beneficial.

Signs of hearing loss in infants and young children

Hearing loss can be present from birth or develop in early childhood. Some common indicators include:

  • Not startling at loud noises
  • Not turning towards familiar voices or sounds after six months of age
  • Lack of response to their name being called
  • Delayed or unclear speech development
  • Difficulty following simple instructions
  • Frequently asking for repetition

If you notice these signs, a paediatric hearing test can help determine if intervention is needed.

The role of paediatric hearing tests

Paediatric hearing tests are a crucial tool in detecting hearing difficulties early. At Knox Audiology, we offer a range of hearing assessments for children, including:

  • Preschool hearing tests to identify early signs of hearing issues
  • Hearing tests for school-aged children to assess hearing in noisy learning environments
  • Swim ear plugs to help prevent ear infections and support healthy hearing

Our experienced paediatric audiologists are well trained in providing children’s hearing services so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands.

When to seek professional help

If you suspect your child may have hearing difficulties, do not wait for them to “grow out of it.” Early detection is key to minimising the impact on their development. At Knox Audiology, our team of audiologists provides expert paediatric hearing assessments and preventative solutions to ensure optimal ear health.

To book an appointment for your child, please phone 03 9800 5697.

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