When kids struggle to hear

Hearing loss can occur at any age and at any time. With this month marking the beginning of another school year, Sounds of Life Hearing Center encourages parents and educators to look out for signs of hearing loss in the classroom and at home that could impact a child’s academic life. 

The truth is that hearing can fluctuate as children get older, and sometimes these fluctuations can be mistaken for behavioral problems. If a normally attentive student suddenly seems distracted, they could be suffering from an infection or fluid in the ears. They may need to see the school nurse or follow up with a hearing test. 

Dr. Sara Curtis, audiologist and founder of Sounds of Life, says, “When you know the child well enough, and all of a sudden they aren’t responding the way they used to, as a member of the school staff, it’s okay to be proactive.” 

Other signs include trouble with pronunciation and spelling, difficulty remembering information and challenges organizing what they hear. These could all be symptoms of an auditory processing deficit and shouldn’t be ignored. Kids who have experienced head injuries, seizure disorders or are prone to ear infections are more susceptible. 

Research has shown that even a small amount of hearing loss can result in big problems at school. Even if a parent or teacher isn’t sure, it never hurts to ask. Sounds of Life Hearing Center believes parents shouldn’t have to wait for a referral to get answers, and they should err on the side of caution by having their child evaluated. Getting through the school year is tough enough. Sounds of Life is here to help. 

Sounds of Life Hearing Center is located at 8003 Auburn Road, Suite 4, in Concord Township. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 440-579-4085 or visit the website SoundsOfLifeHC.com.