Should Babies Have a Hearing Test?

Did you know, in the very early years of a child?s life, being able to hear well plays a vital role? It helped development socially, cognitively and emotionally all pretty much depend on how well the child can hear.

If a baby has a hearing test as soon as possible, it?s most likely any auditory loss can be treated effectively. And when I say, as soon as possible, that?s just what I mean. Most hospitals nowadays are performing mandatory testing on newborns.

Common Causes of Loss of Hearing

Birth defects may be the reason. Statistically, it?s as many as three out of every 1,000 babies who suffer from some degree of loss. Premature births, complications at birth, repeat ear infections or certain medications may also be the culprits.

It?s crucial you do not expose your newborn to very loud noises such as machinery noise or loud music. These are often unknowingly done without even thinking it can do major damage to a sensitive newborn?s tiny ears.

One thing to be aware of is that it?s possible your newborn will not pass the first hearing test. This is not a reason to panic. It only means that there may be some fluid or debris in the ear canal, which is blocking sound waves. Your pediatrician can check for this issue, clean the ears and then you can have the test done again.

If it is determined, after the repeat test, that there is some hearing loss, treatment should begin immediately. The longer you wait, the more progressed the problem will become. It has been proven that treatment administered to a child before the age of six months, can be quite effective.

Now as the child grows, it?s best to have a hearing test done about every two years. And, if you have any reason to believe there may be some auditory issues, by all means, have a test done right away. Don?t wait until the next scheduled test date.

Just how will it appear if your baby has hearing issues? In their first year, here?s how the pattern generally goes:

- Newborns will show they are startled at a sudden noise.

- At three months, babies will know the sounds of different voices.

- At six months, a baby will generally turn towards the direction of a sound.

- At one year old, the young child will begin to try to talk by making sounds and forming small words.

The list of things to look for in the hearing impaired child grows greater as the child ages such as not talking, inattentiveness or trouble learning.

It?s so important to not only have your newborn tested but periodically as he grows. Their physiology can change over time. Children often are not even aware of the changes themselves but just assume their not hearing well is a normal way of life. Only you can go to bat for them and make sure they hear as well as possible.

Concerned for your child?s health? Learn more about Simi Valley, CA hearing test at: http://www.miracle-ear-simivalley.com.

Source: http://www.articlesrx.com/should-babies-have-a-hearing-test/10465

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