Warning signs for children with hearing problems

The article was consulted with Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh Tram - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Hearing screening is the earliest and most important measure to know if a child has hearing loss or not. However, parents and caregivers also need additional knowledge to be able to recognize the signs of congenital deafness.

Signs of deafness in each child can be different and vary according to the degree of hearing loss. In essence, the warning signs can be fleeting and do not cause concern for parents (for example, the child may be sleeping very soundly or has a colic and is not calm to any soothing or comforting voices or sounds. for anyone). In this case, parents should contact their child's doctor immediately if they notice any of the warning signs listed below.

By the time a baby is 3 months old, their hearing is quite complete and can hear normal sounds. If experiencing one of the following signs, parents need to take the child to a specialist doctor:
Do not startle at loud, sudden sounds Do not respond to sounds, music or parents' voices Not soothed by soft sounds Does not move or wake up to voices or noises nearby when baby sleeps in a quiet room after 2 months Does not make vowels like "ohh" after 2 months No become quiet when hearing familiar voices

Signs of deafness that need attention at this age include:
Does not turn head or look where the sound is coming from Does not change expression when there are sounds of voices or loud noises when the child is inside a quiet space Does not try to imitate certain sounds Has not started babbling alone or turns around when others talk to the child Does not answer "no" and changes voice Pays attention only to Sound can be felt by creating vibrations or moving objects. With noises that can only be heard, the child does not seem to have any reaction.

Warning signs that a child between 9 and 12 months of age may be deaf include:
Do not turn quickly or point directly in the direction of a small noise Do not respond to the child's name Do not change the child's pitch when listening . Doesn't make lots of different consonant sounds when babbling (m, p, b, g, etc) Doesn't respond to music by listening to, playing, or singing along by 1 year old Doesn't say single words, like "da" -da" and ma-ma " at 1 year, Does not pronounce many different consonants at the beginning of words Does not understand words for common objects such as shoes, hats, or does not understand simple commands given to parents given as “say goodbye”, “come over”

Early detection of hearing problems in children with problems will provide a better chance for treatment. Therefore, when parents see that their child is slow compared to his peers, and at the same time has signs of congenital deafness, it is necessary to take the child to be examined and screened for congenital deafness as soon as possible. In the long run, being born deaf will lead to muteness.
For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiency causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption,... If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children

Reference source: babycenter.com