We all want to protect our children from danger, illness and sadness. Like any illness, hearing loss can significantly impact your child's development. It can affect their language skills and overall quality of life, leaving them feeling isolated and alone.

There are several things to be aware of to protect your child from hearing loss and the impacts that come with it.

Limit exposure to loud noises

Kids love noise and excitement. We love the look on the faces of our little ones as they see their first concert or fireworks show or hear their first favourite song. As much as these events are fun, it is essential to ensure your child's hearing is protected at the same time.

Avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as music played through headphones or speakers, power tools, firearms, or fireworks. Encourage children to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when in loud environments.

Monitor listening habits

Encourage your child to take breaks when listening to music or watching videos for long periods. We know it is an online world, and our children spend hours watching and listening to videos, but breaks are essential to their hearing health.

Beyond taking breaks, you should ensure that they keep the volume at a reasonable level, and if possible, use noise-cancelling headphones to reduce the need for high volume.

Avoid ear infections

Ear infections can cause hearing loss, so keep your child's ears clean and dry. If your child is prone to ear infections, talk to your doctor about treatment options and ensure they have regular hearing tests. Regular hearing tests are important for those children with chronic ear infections to ensure they are not showing any signs of hearing loss.

Protection from known infections

Some infections, like meningitis and rubella, can cause hearing loss, so ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations.

Get regular hearing tests

Regular hearing tests can help identify hearing problems early on and ensure your child receives the appropriate treatment. Talk to your child's pediatrician about when they should have their first hearing screening and how often they should be screened.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your child's hearing and ensure they have the best chance for healthy development and a fulfilling life.

At Frequency Hearing, we have an audiologist who works specifically with children, 5 and older. Book your appointment today!