Help for Hearing Loss in Kids

SPRINGBORO, OH (WDTN) - Listening to music or simply chatting with friends. For many area kids, those parts of their world are shut off due to hearing loss. According to a recent study, nearly half the kids with a hearing problem at birth aren't getting the help they need. Here's what you need to know about early intervention.

As music plays in an audiology booth, three and a half year old J.J. turns and points in the direction of the noise and music. It's something he never used to do. "If there was a knock at the door he wouldn't move, vacuuming.. the normal sounds that he should be moving to or making a motion to, he wasn't." says J.J.'s mother, Sarah Pierson.

J.J. was referred to the audiology department at Children's Medical Center after a newborn hearing screening showed there was a problem. At nine months of age, his parents' fears were confirmed. J.J. had moderate to moderately severe hearing loss. "Basically what that means is the softest he can hear is about normal conversation levels." according to Jennifer Repka, a Clinical Audiologist with Dayton Children's Medical Center.

J.J who was fitted for hearing aids and put into speech therapy right away. But that's not the case for nearly half the babies who fail a newborn screening. A recent study shows they are not getting the follow-up treatment and early intervention they need to succeed in their development. Repka says, "The studies have shown the earlier you do it. The better chance you'll get to be mainstreamed into a typical classroom. Starting that speech therapy early keeps you on track with typical children."

J.J. had hearing aids at thirteen months along with speech therapy which he still continues. His parents have seen huge strides in their son's abilities. "He's not really speaking, he doesn't say full sentences, he can do two to three words at a time. A lot of it is still in the babbling stage. It's been difficult, but we are making progress." says J.J.'s mother.

Researchers aren't sure why many parents aren't going for follow up care, but Sarah says, it's the best thing that ever happened to J.J and has opened up a whole new world for him.

Doctors say even if your child passes the newborn screening, hearing loss can develop later in life. Here are some things to look for in your child. They should be startled by loud noises.