High-frequency hearing loss is the inability to understand sounds of certain frequencies, like consonant sounds, and is a result of inner ear damage to the auditory hair cells. This condition not only affects older individuals but can also be present in children. One research study showed 14% of children who use personal listening devices had high-frequency hearing loss.
Spotting high-frequency hearing loss in children can be tricky since it doesn’t always prevent them from hearing entirely but can lead to missing out on parts of speech development. A consequence of this is that it could appear as though the child is frequently not paying attention, particularly in noisy environments such as school or busy playgrounds. It’s helpful to know the signs high-frequency hearing loss may be occurring to drive preventative measures with the child and ensure language development.
Signs Of High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Telltale signs a child may be experiencing high-frequency hearing loss include:
- Trouble distinguishing specific word sounds: Difficulty in discerning consonants can impede the understanding of grammar constructs like possessives, plurals and tenses. These are critical components of language that a child, unlike an adult, might not infer from context alone due to their lack of exposure to language.
- Challenges in noisy surroundings: Environments with significant background noise, like classrooms or Olson Park Playground, pose additional difficulties for children with this condition.
- Increased exhaustion after listening efforts: The additional mental exertion required for listening may result in increased fatigue, necessitating rest before engaging in further activities at the end of a long school day.
- Children with this hearing loss might also exhibit speech development delays. Detection is possible through audiometric testing, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups.
Once identified, establishing a supportive network both at home and in school is beneficial.
Establishing Support
To support a child with high-frequency hearing loss:
- Safeguard residual hearing by avoiding exposure to loud noises, limiting the use of headphones and using hearing protection during noisy activities.
- Encourage the child to seek clarifications or repetitions when necessary.
- Assess and address any speech and language developmental concerns.
- Promote clear communication by ensuring the child is facing the speaker, and that attention is secured before conversing. Avoid shouting from separate rooms.
- Minimize ambient distractions during conversations.
Hearing aids are an advantage for children with this type of hearing loss, as they can improve the perception of speech and facilitate easier interactions in school and social interactions. Consult a hearing specialist for further information about the benefits of hearing aids for those with high-frequency hearing loss.
For further insights into maintaining auditory health for both children and adults, consider scheduling a consultation with North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.