Know the Signs of Hearing Loss in Children and Adults
Children
- Does not alert to sound (birth – 3 months)
- Does not respond when you call their name (7–9 months)
- Does not follow simple directions (13–18 months)
- Shows delays in speech and language development (birth – 3 years)
- Pulls or scratches at their ears
- Has difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math
- Is socially isolated and unhappy in school
- Has persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
- See an audiologist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening or school screening.
- See an audiologist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth).
- See an audiologist if your child reports ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears.
- See an audiologist if your child reports any changes in their hearing or that hearing is muffled.
- If your child has hearing loss, ask their audiologist if your child qualifies for hearing devices— including those that would help with classroom listening.
Find a Professional Through ASHA ProFind
A Campaign by ASHA
Identify the Signs aims to educate the public about the warning signs of communication disorders. Speech, language, and hearing disorders are treatable and early detection is a major contributor to speedier recoveries, shortened treatment periods, and reduced costs for individuals and society. Use this site to learn the warning signs; if necessary, seek professional help; and share information with family, friends, and social networks.
Adults
- Inattentiveness
- Hearing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears
- Failure to respond to spoken words
- Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)
- Muffled hearing
- Constant frustration hearing speech and other sounds
- Avoidance of conversation
- Social isolation
- Depression
What Loved Ones Can Do
- Encourage your loved one to see an audiologist if they:
- notice any changes in their hearing ability
- hear sounds such as ringing, roaring, or beeping in their ear
- experience difficulties hearing in noisy environments
- need to frequently turn up entertainment devices to hear (example: television)
- have a history of taking medication that cause hearing loss (called ototoxic medications)
- have a history of chemotherapy or radiation to the head and neck region
- Encourage your loved one to seek help from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor as soon as possible if they notice:
- sudden hearing loss in either ear
- drainage of any kind coming from the ears
- pain or discomfort in one or both ears
- dizziness
- If your loved one is diagnosed with hearing loss, ask the audiologist if they qualify for hearing devices, and ask for a list of communication tips that you can practice together. The hearing device is just one way to help your care partner improve access to sound.
Find a Professional Through ASHA ProFind
A Campaign by ASHA
Identify the Signs aims to educate the public about the warning signs of communication disorders. Speech, language, and hearing disorders are treatable and early detection is a major contributor to speedier recoveries, shortened treatment periods, and reduced costs for individuals and society. Use this site to learn the warning signs; if necessary, seek professional help; and share information with family, friends, and social networks.
