Hearing loss can make learning difficult for children and young people. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s hearing or a teacher at Oakland Elementary School it’s important to know how hearing problems can affect children’s ability to learn.
Delayed Language Skills 
One of the ways hearing loss is most impactful is that it makes it difficult to understand speech. This can make it harder for children who struggle to hear to develop language skills. Children with hearing loss:
- Tend to learn words slower than those with normal hearing
- Have trouble knowing the different meanings of words
- Experience difficulty understanding complex sentences
- Struggle to gauge the volume of their own voice when they speak
- Have more trouble learning to read
- Inappropriately respond to questions because they misunderstood them
Difficult Socializing with Other Kids
Another problem caused by struggling to understand speech is that it makes it harder for children to build friendships with their peers. Children with hearing loss may not want to talk or play with other kids because it’s hard or they have trouble understanding what’s being said. This can lead to children feeling isolated, withdrawn and unhappy at school.
Can Have Trouble Keeping Up in Class
Children with mild hearing loss can sometimes get by for a while, but eventually, it takes a toll on their learning. Things most people wouldn’t even think about can add extra layers of difficulty for a child who doesn’t hear well, including:
- Having a teacher who speaks too quickly or softly or turns their back to write on the whiteboard while giving instructions
- Last-minute oral changes made to a homework assignment
- Construction or other loud noises happening right outside the classroom
Many of these children may also appear distracted or prone to daydreaming. Because of these struggles, some students with hearing loss are incorrectly assumed to have a learning disability and end up getting screened for the wrong conditions instead of having their hearing tested.
Hearing Aids Can Help Children Learn
Studies have shown that the use of well-fitted hearing aids can improve speech and language development in children with hearing loss. This can help close the gap between them and children with normal hearing in school and improve their ability to communicate with others.
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy to speak with one of our experts or schedule a hearing test today.