Imagine this: You’re calling your child for dinner, and instead of responding, they stay glued to their video game. You call again—nothing. Is it selective hearing or a real hearing issue?
For many families, hearing health isn’t something that comes up until there’s a problem. But just like regular check-ups for eyesight, teeth, and overall health, hearing assessments should be part of every family’s wellness routine. Hearing plays a crucial role in communication, learning, and development, especially for children, yet many parents don’t realize how easy it is for hearing loss to go unnoticed.
Let’s dive into some fun facts about hearing, common signs of hearing challenges in kids, and why professional hearing assessments can make a difference for the whole family.
Fun and Weird Facts About Hearing
Hearing is one of the most amazing and underappreciated senses we have! Here are a few surprising facts:
- Your ears never stop working, even when you sleep. The brain ignores sounds while you rest, but your ears are still picking them up. That’s why parents can wake up instantly at the sound of their baby crying but sleep through a thunderstorm.
- The smallest bones in your body are in your ear. The hammer, anvil, and stirrup (aka the ossicles) are no bigger than a grain of rice, yet they are responsible for sending sound to your brain.
- Kids hear better than adults. Most children can hear up to 20,000 Hz, while many adults struggle to hear beyond 15,000 Hz due to natural hearing decline.
- Some animals have super hearing. Dogs can hear up to 45,000 Hz, and bats can hear a whopping 120,000 Hz—which explains why Fido notices the delivery truck before you do.
Is It Hearing Loss or Just Selective Listening?
Parents often joke about their kids having “convenient hearing”—they ignore requests to clean their room but magically hear the ice cream truck five blocks away. But how can you tell if a child has genuine hearing difficulties?
Here are some common signs that your child might have a hearing issue:
- They don’t respond when called (and it’s not just because they’re ignoring you).
- They turn up the TV or tablet volume much louder than other family members.
- They frequently say “What?” or “Huh?” when spoken to.
- They have trouble following multi-step directions (not just avoiding chores!).
- They seem to have trouble in noisy environments, like school cafeterias.
- They experience speech delays or mispronounce words longer than expected for their age.
If any of these sound familiar, a professional hearing assessment is the best way to know whether there’s an actual issue or if they just have a knack for tuning you out!
Why Kids Need Hearing Tests (Even if They Seem Fine)
Many parents assume that their child’s hearing was checked at birth, and that’s enough. While newborn screenings catch major hearing problems, they don’t always detect mild or progressive hearing loss that develops later.
Did you know that approximately 15% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 have some degree of hearing loss? Many kids struggle with undiagnosed hearing issues that impact learning, social skills, and overall development.
Hearing is crucial for language development, and even mild hearing loss can cause difficulties in the classroom. Children with untreated hearing loss may:
- Struggle with speech clarity and pronunciation
- Have difficulty learning new words
- Experience lower confidence in social situations
- Appear inattentive in class, which may be mistaken for behavioral issues or ADHD
A simple hearing test can provide clarity and ensure your child has the support they need for success in school and social settings.
When Should Your Family Get a Hearing Test?
Hearing tests aren’t just for kids—everyone in the family should get one at key stages in life. Here’s a general guideline:
For Children:
- Newborns: Hearing screenings should happen at birth (usually in the hospital).
- Ages 4-6: Before starting school, to detect any early issues.
- School Age (7-12): Every few years, or sooner if signs of hearing trouble appear.
- Teenagers: If they use earbuds at high volumes (which many do!), they should have a hearing test every 2-3 years.
For Adults:
- Ages 18-40: A baseline hearing test, then every 5-10 years unless issues arise.
- Ages 40-60: Hearing checks every 3-5 years due to natural age-related changes.
- Ages 60+: Every 1-2 years, since one in three adults over 65 has some degree of hearing loss.
Protecting Your Family’s Hearing (Simple Tips for Parents & Kids)
Hearing health starts with good habits. Here’s how your family can protect their ears for years to come:
- Keep the volume down. If you can hear your child’s headphones from across the room, it’s too loud. A good rule is the 60/60 rule—no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.
- Use hearing protection. If your family attends sporting events, concerts, or fireworks shows, consider earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
- Avoid using cotton swabs. Cleaning ears too aggressively can push wax deeper or cause damage. Leave ear cleaning to professionals if needed.
- Get regular hearing check-ups. Just like dental exams or eye tests, hearing tests should be a routine part of your child’s healthcare.
Make Hearing Health a Priority with El Dorado Hearing
If you’ve never thought about getting your child’s hearing tested, now is the perfect time. At El Dorado Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing assessments for kids and adults, making sure your entire family is hearing at their best.
Whether you’re curious about your child’s hearing or want to establish a baseline test for future reference, our team is here to help. Don’t wait until a small hearing issue turns into a bigger challenge—schedule a family hearing check-up with El Dorado Hearing today and give your loved ones the gift of better hearing.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
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