Pediatric Therapy for Hearing Impairment in Buford, GA
If your child has trouble hearing, they can face unique challenges in life. Being able to hear is not only important for having conversations with family and friends, but also for doing well in school and even developing speech and language skills. For children who have hearing impairments, speech therapy can help them gain the skills and tools they need for success in all areas of life.
At TLC Therapy Services, we help children with hearing impairments develop the essential communication skills they need to be able to connect meaningfully with others and get the education they deserve.
What Is a Hearing Impairment?
A hearing impairment is when a child’s ability to hear is lessened. This can be in one or both ears, and it can be partial or complete hearing loss. For young children especially, a hearing impairment can affect how well they process sounds, understand language, or speak clearly.
With the right support from family, your child’s pediatrician, and a speech-language pathologist, your child can develop the speech and language skills they need for effective communication and learning.
Common Symptoms of Hearing Impairments
Since the degree of hearing loss can vary, so can the symptoms. But some of the most common symptoms in children include:
- Delayed speech or language development
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat what they said
- Baby not responding to sounds in the environment by startling or turning to look
- Trouble understanding directions or instructions
- Often turns the volume up high on the TV or other device
- Others have difficulty understanding what they’re saying (unclear speech)
- Baby turns their head when they see you, but not when you call out to them from out of sight
What Causes Hearing Impairment?
Hearing impairment can have a variety of causes and risk factors, including:
- Genetic factors or family history of hearing loss
- Complications during pregnancy or birth, such as infections or low birth weight
- Certain illnesses, such as meningitis or measles
- Conditions like Down syndrome or Usher syndrome
- Unknown causes, as some cases occur without a clear explanation
How Our Pediatric Therapists Can Treat Hearing Impairment
At TLC Therapy Services, our experienced team works closely with families on personalized therapy plans for children with hearing impairments. We’ll start with a thorough assessment to determine the extent of your child’s speech or language impairment. Then we’ll work on a therapy program designed to help your child thrive, which may include:
- Speech and Language Therapy: to help children who struggle with communication build the key skills they need for clear speech and better language comprehension
- Auditory Training Exercises: to build listening skills with proven exercises that focus on telling sounds apart, following directions, and improving focus.
- Environmental Modifications: providing strategies for children and their families to reduce distractions and improve listening in noisy environments
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC): teaching your child tools like sign language or how to use communication devices to better express themselves
Schedule an Evaluation Today
If your child has been diagnosed with a hearing impairment, or you are worried that they may have difficulty hearing, TLC Therapy Services is here to help. Give us a call at (770) 696-6649 to schedule an evaluation with our expert speech therapists today