Children with a hearing impairment may struggle with their verbal communication development. Parents may be concerned with their hearing impaired or deaf child’s educational opportunities. Early detection is ideal as early intervention in infancy is considered to provide the best outcomes. Because early detection is important, parents should know the warning signs of hearing impairment in infants.

Young children with a hearing impairment may not respond or react to voices or loud noises. Most infants have a startle reflex associated with a loud noise. Absence of this startle reflex may indicate a problem with hearing. Infants with normal hearing often babble or repeatedly make sounds such as da-da-da.

An infant that is six months old that has not babbled should be checked by a physician for a potential hearing loss. Of course, all infants develop at their own pace, so the failure to follow general guidelines is not prove there is a problem. An infant’s hearing should still be checked since early detection and treatment is beneficial.

If a hearing loss is detected, the parents may consider appropriate treatment options as discussed by the physician. If the hearing loss is caused by infection and the infection fails to clear with the use of antibiotics or is recurrent, the doctor may recommend ear tubes. Ear tubes are surgically implanted to help fluid drain from the ear and can help prevent infection.

For hearing loss that is considered permanent, parents may consider treatment options that serve to improve hearing such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other hearing devices. Parents may be encouraged to learn and use sign language. Supportive services are often available to help the child’s communication development whether the language development is verbal, sign language, or both.

Parents may need to advocate for their child to ensure that the child receives the necessary services. Parents need to educate themselves on available treatment and education options. Support groups are often available and can provide a wealth of information and emotional support.

Parents need to recognize their child’s need for social interaction. Sometimes, children with hearing impairments feel isolated. Parents can help combat this by providing the child with social opportunities beyond their schooling. Boys and girls clubs, lessons, sports, or other group activities can provide enriching social experiences for the hearing impaired child.