Know the Signs of Hearing Loss

Signs of hearing loss in children and adults.

Children

• Does not alert to sound (birth – 3 months)
• Does not respond when you call their name (7–9 months)
• Does not follow simple directions (13–18 months)
• Shows delays in speech and language development (birth – 3 years)
• Pulls or scratches at their ears
• Has difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math
• Is socially isolated and unhappy in school
• Has persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

• See an audiologist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening or school screening.
• See an audiologist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth).
• See an audiologist if your child reports ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears.
• See an audiologist if your child reports any changes in their hearing or that hearing is muffled.
• If your child has hearing loss, ask their audiologist if your child qualifies for hearing devices— including those that would help with classroom listening.

Adults

• Inattentiveness
• Hearing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears
• Failure to respond to spoken words
• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)
• Muffled hearing
• Constant frustration hearing speech and other sounds
• Avoidance of conversation
• Social isolation
• Depression

What Loved Ones Can Do

• Encourage your loved one to see an audiologist if they:
  • notice any changes in their hearing ability
  • hear sounds such as ringing, roaring, or beeping in their ear
  • experience difficulties hearing in noisy environments
  • need to frequently turn up entertainment devices to hear (example: television)
  • have a history of taking medication that cause hearing loss (called ototoxic medications)
  • have a history of chemotherapy or radiation to the head and neck region
• Encourage your loved one to seek help from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor as soon as possible if they notice:
  • sudden hearing loss in either ear
  • drainage of any kind coming from the ears
  • pain or discomfort in one or both ears
  • dizziness
• If your loved one is diagnosed with hearing loss, ask the audiologist if they qualify for hearing devices, and ask for a list of communication tips that you can practice together. The hearing device is just one way to help your care partner improve access to sound.

Additional Resources