The challenging impact of hearing loss in school-aged children in Mesa
Your child has been breezing through school, getting great grades in every subject. Now, there is a noticeable drop in their curriculum excellence. Something is different. Something has changed. In a conversation with his or her teacher, you are told that recently your child appears easily distracted in class, has become disruptive, and seems to be aloof from his classmates. But, before you jump to the conclusion that your child has some sort of learning disability, your next step should be to have their hearing tested.
Hearing loss in school-age children in Mesa can be acquired at any time in a young person’s life. Dr. Cassandra M. Fynes and her staff at Fynes Audiology have many parents who bring their school-age child in to have their hearing checked. As a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, Dr. Fynes knows the sooner intervention takes place to improve any hearing loss in a young person, the better chance there is to stabilize any further damage to their hearing.
What causes a young child to suffer hearing loss?
Acquired hearing loss in school-age children in Mesa can be an aftereffect of diseases such as measles, chicken pox, or even the flu. Ear infections can initiate hearing loss. Taking a soccer ball to the head can cause injury to the auditory nerve. In today’s world, children are constantly exposed to loud noises from classroom chatter to the music they blast, and to the room-rumbling video games they play.
Are there noticeable warning signs at home that my child has hearing loss?
Symptoms of hearing loss around your home can include your child constantly asking you to repeat yourself, not responding when you call them to the dinner table, or exhibiting difficulty in following a conversation when several people are talking. You may even notice your child no longer enjoys talking on the phone to family and friends.
What should I do if I suspect my child has some hearing loss?
The sooner you act, the better the outcome can be. Make an appointment for your child to be examined and evaluated by Dr. Fynes. A thorough hearing test will be conducted to determine if there is, in fact, any hearing loss and where it is originating from (i.e., the outer or middle ear, or the inner ear or cranial nerve that sends sound signals to the brain, the central sensory nervous system, or any combination of these sources). Once the test results are evaluated and your child’s eardrums, etc. are examined, Dr. Fynes can recommend the proper course of treatment.
If there is a need for amplification of sound so your child can hear better in class, at home, and at any daily activities, there are hearing aids that are so small and discreet enough to fit deep inside their ear canal, no one will know your child is wearing them, unless, of course, they go around bragging about their “new ears.”
If your school-age child is showing signs of hearing loss, please schedule an appointment to have them examined by Dr. Cassandra M. Fynes. Submit our online request form or call Fynes Audiology at (480) 456-0176.
