Ask the Expert > Hearing Loss
I often hear parents refer to their child's "hearing age," even if their child was identified at birth with a mild loss. How can it be that a child who is fitted at 6 weeks with hearing aids and now hears at 40 dbs with amplification, is at the same "hearing age," as my child (also aided at six weeks) who hears at 40 dbs unaided and at 10 dbs aided? Considering that communication with an infant takes place approx six inches from the baby's ears. -Mr. D.
Dear Mr. D,
You are correct in saying that "hearing age" is a general term used to better understand the progress we expect in a child's spoken language skills after receiving hearing aids (or a cochlear implant). Since all children develop spoken language in the same progressive steps, we can predict and encourage what will be learned next. A child with a mild hearing loss can quickly become age appropriate in speech and language. A child with a moderate loss may take longer. Other considerations include how many hours each day the child wears hearing aids, the educational services being provided, a child’s developmental skills and the family approach to spoken language. Since your child received amplification at 6 weeks of age and has aided thresholds of 10 dB, he should be well on his way to spoken language skills. But remember that he will still need lots of guidance from you. Talk, talk, and talk to your little fellow. Encourage all the communication you can. Best wishes!
Sincerely,
JTC audiologist
My child was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss 30db in both ears due to nerve damage. Mild hearing loss does not sound that bad to me. Could you put it into perspective in terms of how she is hearing? She is speaking in full sentences although not as clear as my other children were at her age. What is the "cut off" in terms of decibels for treating hearing loss? -Mrs. M.
Dear Mrs. M,
Challenges resulting from a mild hearing loss are not always easily recognizable. Your little daughter can speak in full sentences, but as you said, they are not as understandable as other children her age. She certainly does hear speech, but not as clearly. Some sounds that might be difficult for her are /th/ and /s/. A number on an audiogram is only one measure of a child’s abilities and needs. It is important get further information from the professionals working with her so you can encourage and support your daughter’s progress. You could work with her diagnosing audiologist and a speech specialist to determine what sounds she is hearing and what might be done to assist her with using sound and producing speech. You are doing exactly what parents do so well by asking questions to help children succeed! Good luck!
Sincerely,
JTC Audiologist
I have a pair of three year old twins who were born at 28 weeks. My daughter has been diagnosed with auditory neuropathy and mild to moderate hearing loss as well. She has some verbal abilities and through ASL is very close to her age in communication skills. How can she have a hard time hearing above 2000 hz but be able to sing on key and on time with songs? This baffles us. -P
Hello P
Isn't auditory neuropathy confusing! Rhythm is comprised of sounds across all tones, so it is easy to hear. Even people who have sensory hearing losses which are severe in degree can sense the rhythm of a song. Staying on pitch is much more difficult. Often audiologists refer to auditory neuropathy as "auditory dis-synchrony." In other words, sound is not transmitted through the hearing nerve in a synchronous manner. Sometimes sound is transmitted and sometimes it is not. You are probably aware of this during the day with your daughter. During some times she will be very aware of sounds, and then suddenly she isn't. If your child's hearing nerve is often functioning in a synchronized manner, she is able to hear more tones, including more of the high frequencies. Our brains remember sounds we hear and especially sounds we are able to vocalize. Your little girl's brain probably remembers the sounds that create a song, and even if her nerve isn't carrying the message of those sounds to her brain each time she sings, she knows them. Keep asking your professionals about her skills as we learn more every year about the ear and the brain!
Sincerely,
JTC Audiologist
