Tiny ears, big impact: the importance of hearing health for babies

On World Health Day, let’s tune in to the importance of hearing health for our little ones!

April 7 marks World Health Day, and this year, the World Health Organization is launching a year-long campaign titled "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures."  centering around the health and well-being of mothers and newborns. Given the significance of hearing health for babies, we spoke with Jodie Nelson, a Senior Audiology Manager at Sonova, to explore why hearing is crucial for infants and how parents can ensure their little ones hear well.

This information is particularly relevant for children with hearing loss in a hearing world, as their experiences differ significantly from those in the Deaf community. While the Deaf community has its own rich culture and communication methods, this article focuses on the challenges and solutions for children with hearing loss who are raised in environments where hearing is the norm.

Why hearing is important for babies

Hearing is vital for babies as it lays the foundation for language development and literacy skills. As Jodie explains by quoting Professor Carol Flexer, an innovative audiology leader, “The ears are the doorways to the brain.” This means that good hearing is essential for babies to process sounds, learn language, and connect and make sense of their environment. From around 26 weeks of gestation, babies can hear sounds, including their parents' voices¹.  Early exposure to sound helps them to make sense of the world around them, which is crucial for their overall physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Screen for success

Most hospitals conduct newborn screenings shortly after birth to identify potential hearing issues. If your baby didn’t receive a hearing screening, scheduling an appointment at a pediatric clinic is highly recommended. This simple step is vital, as the newborn screening program ensures that children with hearing loss can be fitted with hearing aids quickly, allowing them to start their hearing journey early. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for promoting healthy hearing and supporting your child's overall development.

Identifying hearing loss - trust your instincts

As a parent, you know your baby best. Trust your instincts! Even if your child passed their hearing screening in the hospital, if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to check their hearing:

- Delayed speech: If your baby isn’t making a variety of different sounds or saying simple words by around 18 months, it could be a sign of hearing issues.

- Not responding to sounds: If they don’t turn their head towards sounds or seem unaware of loud noises, it’s worth investigating.

- Difficulty following directions: If your toddler struggles to follow simple verbal requests, it might indicate a hearing problem.

What to do if you see these signs

If you suspect your baby may have hearing loss, don’t wait! Early intervention is key. Here’s what you can do:

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or a hearing specialist. They can conduct tests to assess your baby’s hearing.

2. Follow up: If your baby is diagnosed with hearing loss, follow the recommended treatment plan. This may include hearing aids or other interventions.

Protecting your baby's hearing over time 

In our noisy world, protecting your baby’s hearing is more important than ever. Here are some practical tips to keep those precious ears safe:

1. Limit loud noises: Avoid exposing your baby to loud environments, and consider using ear muffs for extra protection. Events like concerts and fireworks can be excessively loud for babies' sensitive ears.

2. Engage with your baby: Read to them, sing songs, and talk to them often. This helps develop their language skills and reinforces the connection between hearing and understanding.

3. Monitor headphone volume: With tablets and phones becoming common, be mindful of the volume levels when your baby is wearing headphones. Keep the volume low and set parental controls if available to protect their hearing.

Sound advice for nurturing healthy ears

Hearing is a gateway to learning and social interaction. By protecting your baby’s hearing and being vigilant about any signs of hearing loss, you’re setting them up for a brighter future. The sooner you act, the better the outcomes for your little one, providing them with the support they need to navigate their hearing world confidently.

Learn more about children's hearing care needs and discover more about children’s hearing tests here. 

We extend our sincere thanks to Jodie Nelson, Senior Audiology Manager at Sonova, for sharing her invaluable insights on the importance of hearing health for little ones.