Topic Overview
Children
Hearing problems can delay your child's speech and language development. Early screening for hearing loss can help prevent many learning, social, and emotional problems that can be related to speech and language development.footnote 1
Call your doctor if at any time you suspect your child has a hearing problem, such as if your baby does not seem to respond to loud noises or your young child is not making sounds or talking at the expected ages.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that all newborns be screened for hearing loss.footnote 2 Most provinces and territories in Canada offer newborn hearing tests for all babies born in hospitals. Talk to your doctor about whether your child has been or should be tested. Even if the newborn test did not show hearing loss, hearing problems could arise.
In most hearing tests, your child responds to how well he or she hears a series of tones or words (subjective testing). Hearing is also tested by examining your child's ears or by using an instrument to measure how the ears react to sound (objective testing). In objective testing, your child is not asked to respond to sounds.
Hearing tests may be a part of routine checkups.
Adults
Gradual hearing loss can affect people of all ages. You may not be aware of it, especially if it has happened over time. Your family members or friends may notice that you're having trouble understanding what others are saying. If you have concerns about your hearing, talk to your doctor during routine visits.
For more information, see the topics Hearing Tests and Hearing Loss.
Related Information
References
Citations
- Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, American Academy of Pediatrics (2007). Year 2007 position statement: Principles and guidelines for early hearing detection and intervention programs. Pediatrics, 120(4): 898–921. Also available online: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/120/4/898.
- Patel H, et al. (2011). Universal newborn hearing screening. Paediatrics and Child Health, 16(5): 301–305. Also available online: http://www.cps.ca/English/statements/CP/cp11-02.htm.
Credits
Adaptation Date: 7/20/2020
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
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Adaptation Date: 7/20/2020
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