Hearing and hearing loss
Hearing is essential for normal speech and language development
in children. The internationally recommended age of identification
of a hearing loss is 3 months, with intervention and rehabilitation
by 6 months to have the least disruption to language development,
scholastic aptitude and social interaction.
Hearing is important for learning to talk. Hearing is important
for understanding and being understood. Parents, caregivers and
family are most likely to be the first to notice signs of a hearing
problem.
The sooner a hearing problem is found out, the sooner something
can be done to help the child hear. When children can hear clearly,
everything is easier for them.
For further advice and help see an audiologist or your
doctor.
2 Years
Does
your child:
Do two things when asked, like "get
the ball and bring it here".
Repeat what you
say.
Know lots of
words.
Enjoy "story
time".
Point to a picture when asked, like
"show me the baby".
Use the names of people and things
she or he knows.
Have a name for himself or
herself.
Like the radio or
stereo.
Say simple sentences like "milk all
gone".
3 Years
Does
your child:
Knows a few nursery rhymes or
songs.
Understand most
words.
Find you when you call from another
room.
Sometimes use whole
sentences.
Use words like "go, me, in,
big".
Tell a story.
Say how he or she
feels.
Remember and tell about things that
have happened.
Count to three.
Speak clearly so that everyone can
understand him or her.
Ask lots of "why" and "what"
questions.
Like naming things she or he sees
and knows.
4 Years
Does
your child:
Tell a long, clear
story about things he or she has done.
Speak well with only a few sounds
wrong, like "r, s, th, l".
Know what things are for, like
"hat", "apple" and "plate".
Like books and being read
to.
Understand most of what you
say.
If
you have answered "yes" or "sometimes" to most of the above
questions, your child would appear to have normal hearing
development. However, if you have any concerns at all about your
child's hearing, please contact us or your nearest hearing
specialist for a hearing evaluation.
This
information has been proudly supplied by Dilworth Audiology www.dilworth.co.nz.