Hearing Loss in Children

Early identification statistics indicate that 17 out of 1,000 children under the age of 18 have hearing problems. Over 99% of the babies born in Hawai‘i receive newborn hearing screenings. Fortunately, early identification and intervention of hearing loss allows these children to progress at age-appropriate rates.

If hearing loss is undetected or untreated, it can lead to speech, behavioral, and learning problems, as well as to social difficulties resulting from communication problems with other children. A hearing test administered by a certified audiologist can identify the need for follow-up treatment by a pediatrician or by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Possible signs of hearing loss in children are:

• Inattentiveness in class
• Behavioral problems or irritability
• Speech problems
• Speaking in a loud voice
• Hearing but not understanding speech
• Poor academic skills
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears.

The majority of children’s hearing problems are treatable, and hearing should improve after treatment. More severe hearing loss can be improved by fitting the child with a hearing aid.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Audiology Services at (808) 263‑5055.