Hearing tests and early intervention for hearing loss in children are essential as it may affect the development of a child. Early detection and management of hearing issues may provide children with the best possible management for their development. Some of the importance of hearing tests and early intervention will be discussed in detail as below:   

Language and Communication Development 

Hearing is important for language development as one needs to listen while learning to speak. Without having hearing tests and hearing aids prescribed, a child with hearing loss will not be able to catch up with the words and sentences to learn how to speak. Early detection of hearing loss allows an immediate diagnosis and management. This can significantly improve the development of language and communication skills. Annual hearing monitoring is also highly recommended to manage hearing losses that arise later so that it will not disturb the learning and development process.  

Social and Behavioral Development 
The early years of life are critical for language acquisition and cognitive development. Hearing loss may impact social and behavioral development as it can lead to significant social isolation and challenges in forming and maintaining friendships due to the hard of communication and hearing. As a result, over time, this social isolation can impact their emotional well-being, leading to other issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. They may also develop a behavioral issue such as tantrums as they lack support from their closest one.   

Education  
Children who receive early intervention is more likely to be on track and succeed academically compared to those who did not as they are usually provided with appropriate management such as hearing aids or cochlear implant as well as speech and language therapy since young age. This may significantly impact their ability to perform in academic areas. Early intervention may also ensure that a child with hearing loss is ready to go to school by providing necessary management to study effectively.   

In conclusion, hearing tests and early intervention are crucial parts of a child’s development. It is very important for a child to get diagnosed and manage at the earliest stage of life to help a child in living their life as a normal hearing person as near as possible. This is because at the first few years of life, the brain of the child is critically developing, absorbing all possible learning it can. We should take advantage of this critical period affectively to help the child’s development. By diagnosing and accepting hearing loss, we can help the child to live their best life while helping them function normally in society.    

Syauqina Jamel, Clinical Audiologist at 20dB Hearing Subang Jaya