The long-term impacts of undiagnosed early hearing loss may include lower academic achievement, underemployment, poor social adaptation, and psychological distress. These impacts are directly related to the amount of hearing loss experienced and the length of delay for diagnosis and intervention.
Parents are encouraged to observe how their children respond to sounds during their early years. The signs of hearing loss can be difficult to detect, as young children are very good at adapting to what they have. However, the earlier a hearing loss is detected, and an intervention is put in place, the better. For further information on signs of a hearing problem, see the links below. If there are concerns about a child’s hearing, it is recommended to speak to a doctor and request a referral for a hearing test.
Early detection and intervention are important. The first few months of life are critical for developing the auditory (hearing) pathways in the brain. Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant delays in speech and language development, which can affect social and academic skills later in life.
Saskatchewan offers a universal newborn hearing screening program designed to identify hearing loss early in infants. This program is available in hospitals across the province that regularly deliver babies. Through this program, newborns receive a hearing screening test before being discharged from the hospital, usually within the first day of life. If a baby does not pass the initial hearing screen, follow-up testing with an audiologist will be arranged to confirm any hearing issues. Early identification of hearing loss is important for timely intervention, which can significantly improve language and literacy outcomes. For more information, please visit: Government of Saskatchewan: Audiology and Hearing Services.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to observe a child’s responses to sounds during the early months and years. However, signs of hearing loss can be subtle and easy to miss, as young children often adapt remarkably well to their sensory environment. Signs of hearing loss in infants include:
If there are concerns about a child’s hearing at any stage of development, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. A referral for a hearing assessment with an audiologist may be needed to confirm whether hearing loss is present and to determine the next steps for support.