Audiology, Hearing Loss, and Devices

Early Expectations for a Child with a Cochlear Implant Families often have many emotions about their child’s cochlear implant (CI). One common feeling is of uncertainty. Parents are unsure of what changes they will see and when their child might talk. Surgery and being fitted with external equipment begins the process. The first use of…

Inquiring about Implants When a child is identified with a hearing loss, family members might wonder about a cochlear implant (CI). Specific information on implants, centers and candidacy can be found through websites and from audiologists. This paper addresses some questions families often ask in the beginning about the implant process. Can my child receive…

Children’s Hearing Milestones A child’s hearing can be tested at any age and as early as a few hours after being born. In the U.S. it is estimated that 12,000 children are born each year with a hearing loss. Children also need to be screened regularly for hearing loss because it can occur any time…

School Readiness: Check a Child’s Hearing A child may develop hearing loss at any time for many reasons. Sometimes a child’s hearing loss is not noticed or may be misinterpreted. If a child shows several of the behaviors listed below, he may be at risk for hearing loss. A hearing screening can identify if he…

Keep on Talking, The Pre- and Post- Implant Process You have made the decision to provide your child with a cochlear implant. You might be wondering about what you can do before the surgery, while you wait for activation and after the first mapping. Here are simple suggestions your family can consider. Your child’s speech…

Where to Begin When a young child is identified with hearing loss parents can start with these steps. Identifying Each family responds in their own way to news of a child’s hearing loss. Members within one family can experience very different emotions at the same time. Emotions may change with each appointment or interaction with…

Unilateral Hearing Loss is Unique Listening with both ears provides awareness of the direction of sound, ability to hear in noise, and a sense of strong, clear sound. Hearing loss in one ear, called unilateral loss, changes the listening experience. Unilateral hearing loss might be present at birth, develop slowly, happen suddenly or increase over…

Understanding Your Child’s Hearing Tests Hearing can be checked at any age. Newborns in the U.S. have their hearing screened before they leave a hospital. Parents of infants born at home or in a birth center should arrange to bring them in for screening by one month old. Hearing screenings are repeated at different ages…

Middle Ear Fluid and Its Effects on Early Learning Parents are skilled in figuring out many of their young child’s health needs. A common condition that is sometimes hard to notice is middle ear fluid. When a child has an ear infection or middle ear fluid he may experience a temporary decrease in hearing that…

Making the Most of Your Child’s Audiology Appointments Parents can obtain the best access to sound possible for their child by being actively involved in audiology appointments. Audiologists follow a child regularly to identify hearing levels, check devices, and manage auditory health. Parents can ask questions, document listening and discuss decisions. Audiologists can provide information,…