LETTERS: Sound weaves the tapestry of life, connecting us, allowing us to communicate, learn and savour each precious moment.
Yet, this symphony can be disrupted by the quiet yet profound challenge of hearing loss, affecting people of all ages, even our youngest.
Childhood hearing loss isn't just a concern; it's a pressing public health issue with far-reaching consequences for a child's growth and happiness.
The World Health Organisation recently assessed more than 34 million children worldwide and discovered that hearing loss predominantly impacts those in low to middle-income countries.
In Malaysia, the prevalence of hearing loss varies across age groups: 3.5 per cent among teenagers aged 13 to 17, 6.6 per cent among children aged 7 to 12 and 6.6 per cent among those aged 3 to 6.
These statistics are alarming because many cases of hearing loss are preventable.
Children with hearing loss may experience delays in speech and language development, social isolation, poor academic performance and behavioural issues often misattributed to dyslexia or autism. This can lead to communication difficulties with family, friends and peers, ultimately resulting in anxiety, depression and frustration.
The impact of childhood hearing loss is even more significant when left undetected or untreated in the early stages. Early intervention and therapy for hearing issues are critical for a child's language, social and academic development.
With the right support and intervention, children with hearing loss can achieve language proficiency, social skills and academic success on a par with their peers.
As an audiologist with nine years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with numerous patients, and one particular story deeply touched me.
Parents of a child were concerned when the babysitter said: "I don't know if he can hear me."
This prompted the parents to pay closer attention and wonder if their child might have a slight hearing deficit.
Seeking advice from family and friends, they received responses like, "It's just a behaviour issue", "Don't worry, it's simply a speech delay", and "Many kids don't start talking until later".
However, their concern led them to a hearing test for their child.
Parents must realise that identifying hearing loss in children, especially before they start speaking, can be quite challenging. That is why it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms, enabling parents to take prompt action.
Here are signs of hearing loss in infants or toddlers.
1. FAILS to locate the source of sounds.
2. SHOWS no reaction to loud noises.
3. HAS discontinued babbling and sound experimentation.
4. CONTINUES babbling, but without progressing to more understandable speech.
5. REMAINS unresponsive to voices, even when held.
6. IS born with a missing or malformed ear.
Parents can take steps to prevent and reduce the risk of childhood hearing loss, including providing prenatal care, limiting children's exposure to loud noises and ensuring immunisation against diseases like measles and meningitis.
Additionally, I want to emphasise the importance of having your child's hearing tested at key milestones, starting with neonatal screening at birth.
This screening can identify children who may need early intervention or support to develop language skills effectively.
It is crucial to remember that with the right solutions, children with hearing loss can lead lives filled with the joy of sounds, speech, laughter and music.
Even children born with profound deafness can confidently excel in school, participate in activities, dance to their favourite tunes and hear you say, "I love you".
Exploring options for your child is the first step towards achieving the best possible outcome. Be confident in your decisions because nobody loves your child more than you do.
If you suspect your child is experiencing hearing loss, seeking professional help is crucial.
SYAIMAA HANNAN ABD RAZAK
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times