Warning from expert about hearing loss in children: Early diagnosis is vital

Making a statement within the scope of International Hearing Impaired Week, Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Dr. Lecturer Member Yüksel Sarıcalı stated that hearing is one of the basic senses for children to communicate with their environment and develop their language skills.

Noting that hearing loss may be congenital or may occur later due to reasons such as previous infections, fluid accumulation in the ear or exposure to loud noises, Sarıcalı said, "If hearing loss is not detected early, it negatively affects language development. The first years of life are a critical period in which words are learned. Lack of stimuli may lead to delayed speech and the child falling behind his peers."

"NO RESPONDING WHEN CALLED IS AN IMPORTANT SIGN"

Dr. states that hearing loss may not always be easily noticed and that families should carefully monitor children's behavior. Yüksel Sarıcalı listed the symptoms to be aware of as follows:

The child does not react to loud sounds or when his/her name is called, and does not turn towards the direction of the sound.

Speech does not start at the expected age and vocabulary remains limited.

Feeling the need to repeat what is said frequently.

Wants to listen to the sound of television and digital devices at a higher level than other family members.

Sarıcalı stated that mild or unilateral hearing loss may manifest itself as difficulty understanding in crowded environments, and underlined that these situations should not be overlooked.

"FOLLOW-UP IS A MUST EVEN IF THEY PASS THE NEWBORN SCREENING"

Emphasizing that newborn hearing screening is a vital step for early diagnosis, ENT Specialist Sarıcalı stated that passing the screening test does not mean that the risk is completely eliminated in the future.

Sarıcalı said, "Even if the child has passed the screening, hearing loss may develop at later ages. Families should consult an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist as soon as they are in doubt, instead of waiting with the thought that 'it will get better over time'. Early intervention directly supports the child's educational and social development through methods such as medical, surgical or hearing aid/cochlear implant."