Experts state that hearing loss occurring in childhood, which is critical for language and speech development, can result in speech disorders, adding that speech disorders are not the only negative consequence of hearing loss, which also brings social, psychological, and academic difficulties. Highlighting that hearing loss can often be confused with conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit, Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar from the Audiology department notes that hearing losses appearing in childhood should always be kept in mind.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar, discussed the effects of hearing loss on children's language and speech development.
Hearing Losses Occurring in Childhood Should Not Be Forgotten
Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar stated that hearing loss can be congenital or develop later, saying, “A baby passing the Newborn Hearing Screening does not mean that they will not have hearing loss in later years. Therefore, hearing losses occurring in childhood should always be kept in mind.”
How is hearing loss developing in preschool age group understood?
Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar noted that widespread hearing screening programs in our country exist only for newborns and school-aged children, and therefore, a hearing loss developing in the preschool age group is understood through parents' concerns, speech delays in children, or when teachers notice it when the child starts school.
Highlighting the necessity of having a healthy auditory system to be able to speak, Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar continued as follows:
“Therefore, hearing loss occurring in childhood, which is critical for language and speech development, can result in speech disorders. Unfortunately, speech disorder is not the only negative consequence of hearing loss; it also brings social, psychological, and academic difficulties. For this reason, hearing loss can often be confused with conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit, and families may be directed to departments such as psychiatry or neurology.
If Detection is Delayed, Intervention is Also Delayed…
However, it is known that when the presence of hearing loss is detected and children's hearing returns to normal with appropriate hearing aids, their academic success and concentration problems also disappear. The longer the detection period for hearing loss in children, the more delayed the intervention. Considering this negative situation, early intervention for hearing loss is extremely important.”
Device Implementation is Applied by Audiologists According to the Type of Hearing Loss
Emphasizing that the first intervention in cases of hearing loss is to ensure children are fitted with devices, Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar noted the following:
“Technological advancements such as hearing aids and bionic ears enable children to hear by amplifying sounds they cannot perceive. The most appropriate device fitting option is determined and applied by audiologists according to the type and degree of hearing loss in children. In this way, children begin to hear sounds again, and the necessary prerequisite for learning to speak and/or correcting speech disorders is provided.”
Audiologists, Speech and Language Therapists Should Be in Special Education
Stating that auditory training processes should also begin with the fitting of devices for children diagnosed with hearing loss, Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar said, “For this purpose, there are special education and rehabilitation centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in our country. In these centers, the main professionals who should be in the special education team for a child with hearing loss are audiologists, speech and language therapists, and teachers for the hearing impaired, while special education teachers, psychologists, and occupational therapists should also be included in the team based on the child's needs.”
In Addition to Auditory Rehabilitation, Speech and Language Therapy Should Also Be Provided
Res. Asst. Busemnaz Avşar also stated that children wearing hearing aids after being diagnosed with hearing loss should begin the rehabilitation process, which forms the basis of auditory education, and concluded her words as follows:
“With the individualized auditory rehabilitation program prepared by audiologists for each child, children re-learn sounds during the process; thus, their speech catches up with their peers. Despite being fitted with devices, in cases of some speech disorders caused by or accompanying hearing loss, speech and language therapy can be taken in addition to auditory rehabilitation. Children are evaluated by therapists for language and speech development, and if deemed necessary, an appropriate therapy process is planned and implemented. The main goal of therapy is to ensure that children with hearing loss demonstrate age-appropriate language and speech development.”