At Auricle, we understand the importance of early hearing detection and intervention for infants. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is a necessary process that involves screening every newborn for hearing loss before hospital discharge. Newborns who do not pass the screening receive an appropriate diagnostic evaluation before three months of age. This is critical because the earlier hearing loss is detected in infants, the better the language and speech development outcome.

Hearing screening for newborns is easy and painless, taking only a few minutes. Even babies who are asleep can be screened. However, it is essential to note that hearing loss can affect children at any age, not just at birth. Even mild or one-sided hearing loss can impact school performance and may require a child to repeat a grade.

Additionally, repeated exposure to loud sounds from personal listening devices like MP3 players and iPods can lead to permanent hearing loss. As such, young people are at greater risk for hearing loss now than ever before.

Ear infections, or acute otitis media, are common in children and can be painful. Many children will have at least one ear infection by the time they turn one year old. It is essential to recognize the signs of an ear infection, including tugging or pulling at the ear, crying more than usual, fever, not responding to sounds, trouble sleeping, and drainage from the ear.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, it is critical to seek medical treatment from a physician, paediatrician, or otolaryngologist (ENT) as soon as possible. Untreated ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss, affecting speech and language development.

Auricle has a team of specialists, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists, who can provide comprehensive evaluations and remedial programs for children with hearing impairments or speech and language delays. Early detection and intervention are critical to helping your child achieve their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your child.