How to Identify Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids #BHSM

by Carrie with Children with 1 comment

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) courtesy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and as a parent to a child with special needs, speech and hearing abilities is something I take very seriously.

Molly loves her iPad – it’s a learning tool for our family. It’s fantastic for strengthening her hand/eye coordination and I love the apps that help strengthen her vocabulary too. And at times, she also uses it to watch her favorite movies too.  With that said, I’m also very aware of the volume levels too. I’m constantly asking her to turn it down – she likes noise!

Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Special Needs
I was interested to recently learn that 75% of children, ages eight and under, have access to a smart mobile device at home. Many times, they are often used with ear buds and headphones at too high volumes.

The astonishing stat is that 96 percent of parents believe their child is either not at risk or only slightly at risk of developing hearing problems from excessive noise. As parents, we need to do better at educating our kids to practice safe listening.

Better Hearing and Speech Month Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Here are some things every parent should take into consideration when it comes to kids and technology –

Indicators of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss –

o   A simple ‘Huh?’ Or ‘What?’

o   An individual’s uncomfortable listening level might not change. Whereas their threshold for hearing or where they can just detect sounds may be elevated, they may still be very bothered by loud sounds, so be mindful that it really changes their range of hearing.

o   Ringing in the ears often known as tinnitus

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association encourages parents to learn more as part of their new campaign, Listen to Your Buds.

American Speech Language Hearing Association Logo

Learn More About the American Speech-Language-

Hearing Association

As a parent, you never know when you’ll need to delve deeper into the world of communication disorders. Learn more about the American Speech-Language Hearing Association on Facebook and follow along on Twitter at @ASHAWeb. You can also find them on Pinterest and even Google+.

Does your family have a hearing or speech story?

I’d love for you to share it… 

** I was compensated to write this post by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and also include my personal experiences. **

    Comments

  • Pam


    I am guilty of playing my music LOUD. When my daughter, Holly was younger she could not stand loud noises because she said it hurt her ears so I would turn it down. She still not a fan of loud noise. My grandson, Leland loves his music LOUD also. Holly is his mom so she is always asking him to turn it down.