I don't think my child hears normally
Hearing loss can happen at any time. Most children are screened at birth for hearing loss but are not tested again until they are in school. If you are worried about your child's hearing, you need to tell your doctor and ask about a hearing test. Your doctor can usually check to see if a child has an ear infection that can cause a temporary hearing loss. Most doctors do not have the equipment to test for permanent hearing loss. Your doctor probably needs to send you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) who has the proper equipment and training to test a child's hearing.
- Discuss your concerns with your child's doctor or nurse. Ask whether your doctor has a way to check for permanent hearing loss.
- Temporary hearing loss may be caused by an ear infection. This type of loss can often be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. If the ear infection lasts longer than three months, your doctor should send you to a specialist.
- Permanent hearing loss is diagnosed and treated by a pediatric audiologist—a hearing specialist who knows how to work with children. If your doctor sends you to an audiologist, be sure to find out if the audiologist has the right equipment to test infants and young children. Also ask how many children they have seen in the past year.
Contact your state's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program or call 866-997-HEAR (4327)