Why is early hearing assessment and intervention important?
The earlier a child receives intervention for a hearing loss, the better the outcome. Children with the same degree of hearing loss who begin using hearing aids on a full time basis at 6 weeks of age have significantly better outcomes than children fitted with hearing aids at 6 months of age. Children wearing hearing aids full time by 6 months have significantly better outcomes than children who began using hearing aids at age 2. Critical development of the auditory pathways takes place very early in life. Ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist who has expertise with children the very first moment you have a twinge of doubt about your child’s hearing. Each week of life is precious. It is never too early to seek help.
