The importance of sound
We start to develop language from the moment we are born. So, the earlier hearing loss is detected and treated, the better. The best hearing aids, tools and techniques and your acknowledging support together – create a better future for your child.
Language is learned through exposure to sounds. Children pick up words they hear in their environment. But not only language development is dependent on your child’s ability to hear. Their listening skills also influence their ability to learn to both read and write and it greatly influences their social skills as well.
To develop spoken language, children must be able to hear speech clearly and also to hear themselves. If your child's hearing loss is left untreated, their basic language development will often be delayed. As your child grows, they face a range of challenges during different stages of their lives, from infancy through the school years and beyond. Their hearing loss will impact their life differently in the transition from being in the security of your home to being on their own in challenging environments such as school, sports and other social activities.
The brain develops as your child grows
Many parents believe that hearing aids will restore their child’s hearing. Unfortunately, they cannot. But they can help improve your child’s quality of life and they are critical to learning. With today’s technology, children can be fitted with hearing aids within the first few crucial weeks or months after birth.
We learn throughout our lives. From the moment we are born, we learn by observing and imitating our parents, family and friends. Later on, as we attend school, get a job and lead active lives, we continue the learning process. Children with hearing loss can live lives that are just as full and productive as other children. They just need additional support when learning.
The first step to using hearing aids
In order to develop full, rich, verbal language, children must be able to tune into the speech sounds around them. It is critical to be able to hear as much as possible during all waking hours. Just as you rely on light in order to move around confidently and fully understand and enjoy all of the activities going on around you, your child relies on their hearing aids to help them get the most from their surroundings to support their language development.
Helps development of essential brain structures
Even children with mild or minimal hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, because the amplified sound produces stimulation and supports growth of the auditory centers of the brain. These brain structures are best developed and become most interconnected when a child is very young. This is important for a child’s vocabulary: Often a child’s vocabulary quadruples between his first and second birthday. Which is why it is important to get hearing aids as early as possible.
