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Silence Isn't Always Golden
Infants and young children
with hearing problems can have difficulty developing speech and
language.
Some babies are born with hearing problems. Other children
are born with normal hearing and begin to have hearing problems
as they grow older.
You can help your child's doctor to decide if your child's hearing
needs to be tested. Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent.
Hearing problems can happen because of ear infections, injuries,
or diseases.
Read the hearing checklist. Find your child's age. Check yes or
no for every item. After you complete the checklist, show
it to your child's doctor. Ask the doctor questions. Talk
about the items checked no. If you think your child has trouble
hearing, tell the doctor right away.
If your child doesn't hear
well or speak clearly, take action ... actions speak louder than
words
Your baby's hearing checklist:
Birth to 3 Month
3 to 6 Months
6 to 10 Months
10 to 15 Months
15 to 18 Months
18 to 24 Months
24 to 36 Months
Talk to your doctor if you think your child has a hearing problem.
Some words the doctor may
use:
audiogram: a chart that shows how well a person can hear.
audiologist: a person who tests and measures hearing.
earache: pain in the ears caused by infections or growths.
otitis media: infection of the middle ear.
otolaryngologist: a doctor who treats diseases and problems
of the ear, nose, and throat.
otologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the ear.
pediatrician: a doctor who takes care of infants and children
and who treats their diseases.
speech/language pathologist: a person who helps people improve
speech, language, and voice.
NIH Pub. No. 95-4040
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