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Communication obstacles
Although hearing problems are often associated with old age, it is quite common for youngsters to suffer hearing loss or speech problems as well. In fact, over half the patients at Mid Coast Hospital's Hearing Center are children.
Sometimes, "hearing or speech abilities can be impaired, either from birth, or from a childhood accident or illness," explains Susan Elsaesser, one of the two certified audiologists at the Mid Coast Hearing Center. This can seriously affect the child's emotional growth and social development.
Children with an undetected, mild hearing loss, could miss much of the speech and language activity around them, resulting in potential learning or behavior problems. This not only frustrates the child, but also parents, teachers and family members.Early diagnosis, treatment
Because so much learning takes place during the early childhood years, a professional hearing evaluation should be done as soon as possible. For instance, if a child doesn't respond to sounds, or your pediatrician is concerned about speech development, now is the time to have hearing tested and possibly see a speech/language pathologist.
Communication disorders diagnosed early, can be successfully treated. " This can rule out potential problem areas as well as pin point existing problems, so they can be treated," says Elsaesser. Susan holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Therapy, a master's degree and clinical certification in Audiology.
"We often see children who have been referred by school teachers or counselors," she says. "Sometimes, their initial evaluations are right on the mark. They notice stuttering or voice disorders as well as hearing difficulties." |
The professional touch
Audiologists offer a broad range of testing and evaluation services. They can determine if sound being conducted efficiently, or if there damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways? They also do Central Auditory Processing Assessments which determine if the brain is processing what the child is hearing.
If they discover a language problem, sometimes it can be traced back to a hearing disorder. Depending on the nature of the disorder, a hearing aid or other amplification device may be necessary.
Mid Coast speech/language pathologists have additional experience in child development. They treat delayed speech problems and work with deaf children who communicate by signing. After a child is evaluated for speech or hearing impairments, the pathologists will provide a plan tailored to the individual's needs.
The audiologists and pathologists at Mid Coast Hospital also offer assistance to classroom teachers who are working with hearing impaired children. They provide ideas for noise reduction in classrooms, and they have group listening games that are useful for all students. When school is out for the summer, they also offer speech and language programs. |
