Identifying hearing problems

Hearing problems can hinder your child's language and social development. They can also lead to difficulties at school. However, they are very difficult to recognise in young children.

The earlier hearing problems are detected, the more effective treatment can be.

Watch out for these signs in your child

The signs below may suggest hearing problems. If you recognise any of them, contact your paediatrician, your GP or your ENT doctor.

• If your child shows signs of ear pain or you notice an infectious inflammation of the ear canal.
• If your child does not react to noises around them or stops reacting to them.
• If your child does not react to loud noises while asleep in a quiet room.
• If your 6-month-old does not react to speech or other engaging sounds (normal noise level).
• If your 9-month-old does not react to their name when the speaker is out of their field of vision.
• If your 18-month-old is not showing any signs of starting to speak.
• If the type of sounds your child produces does not evolve.
• If the sounds your child produces seem too loud or too high-pitched.

It is important to note that children's reactions to sounds are linked to their motor skills.