PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Tuesday is World Hearing Day, and experts with The American Speech–Language–Hearing Association used it to raise awareness.
Two out of every 1,000 newborns in the U.S. and about 15% of children aged 12 to 19 suffer from hearing loss, and many of the cases are genetic.
“Your hearing when we are babies is going to inform how we develop our speech and communication ... how we develop language ... it’s also directly tied how we are going to learn, and academic achievement, how we socialize,” said Marquitta Merkison, associate director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests promoting safe listening habits. A list includes avoiding noisy situations and using adequate hearing protection.
“You don’t want to be around loud noises without having hearing protection,” Merkison said.
Early identification and care are crucial to prevent long-term impacts on development, education, and future opportunities, according to Merkison.
“If you are starting to notice that certain speech sounds aren’t being produced correctly, that’s also an indicator that there may be some hearing loss there,” Merkison said.
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