Child Hearing Treatment

Nurturing Your Child’s Hearing Journey

Watching your child discover the world, learn new things, and express themselves is truly one of life’s greatest joys.
If you’ve noticed any signs that their hearing might not be as clear as it could be, please know that you have trusted, local options right here at Audiology, Inc.

We believe every child in our community deserves the best chance for strong hearing, clear communication, and confident social connections.

We know that many families have faced long drives to Phoenix or Tucson for specialized care. That’s why we’re so committed to offering cutting-edge technology and personalized services right here at home, supporting the “choose local” movement that strengthens our community.

Our knowledgeable staff is woven into the fabric of Eastern Arizona, ready to be a part of your family’s hearing care journey.

Why Early Hearing Care Matters So Much

Hearing is fundamental for a child’s development — it’s how they learn language, excel in school, and build friendships.

When hearing difficulties go unnoticed or untreated, it can affect everything from their speech clarity to their performance in the classroom and their overall confidence.

Children who receive timely, appropriate hearing care tend to develop stronger language skills, achieve better academically, and feel more confident. That’s why prompt, local care is so vital. Together, we’ll ensure your child has the support they need to thrive, right here in the familiar surroundings of our community.

Understanding Childhood Hearing Loss

Hearing challenges in children can manifest in various ways:

  • Conductive hearing loss: This occurs when sound waves are blocked in the outer or middle ear, often due to common issues like fluid from an ear infection.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss: This type involves the inner ear or the auditory nerve, sometimes present from birth or appearing after an early illness.
  • Mixed loss: As the name suggests, this is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural issues.

Every child’s situation is unique, just like every family. We’ll take the time to comprehensively evaluate the specific type, degree, and impact of any hearing concerns on your child’s hearing and language development.

What Signs Should Parents Look For?

Children don’t always articulate their struggles, so it’s helpful to be aware of certain behaviors.

For newborns and infants (birth to 1 year)

Your child’s communication journey begins at birth. Any delay in reaching these early milestones could be a signal. Watch for:

Difficulty Hearing/Understanding:

  • Not startling at loud noises
  • Not recognizing your voice
  • Not moving eyes in direction of sound

Difficulty With Speech Development:

  • Lack of babbling
  • Lack of crying for different needs
  • Doesn’t vocalize excitement or displeasure
  • Around 7 months to a year, hasn’t spoken one or two words
infant

For toddlers (1 to 3 years)

As with infants, communication difficulties may become more noticeable. Look for these signs:

Difficulty Hearing/Understanding:

  • Unable to point to different body parts when asked
  • Doesn’t enjoy being read to
  • Doesn’t understand action words like “run” or “sit”
  • Sits close to the television

Difficulty With Speech Development:

  • Unable to form simple sentences
  • Doesn’t ask “why?” or “what?” questions
  • Can’t answer “why?” or “what?” questions
  • Doesn’t use plurals or verbs
Toddler

For young adults and teens

This age group often faces a higher risk of noise-induced hearing changes due to lifestyle choices. From concerts to sporting event to hunting, proper hearing protection is key.

Look for These Signs of Hearing Loss:

  • Turning up the television to an excessive volume
  • Saying “what?” frequently
  • Only responding when eye contact is made
  • Complaining of ringing in the ears or a dip in hearing ability
  • Withdrawing socially
Young Adult

How We Approach Childhood Hearing Care

At Audiology, Inc., we’re committed to a family-centered, evidence-based approach, crafting a plan specifically for your child’s unique hearing profile and communication goals.

Comprehensive assessment

We utilize age-appropriate, cutting-edge hearing tests to accurately understand how your child hears.

Appropriate intervention

For conductive issues, like ear fluid, we often coordinate care with local ENT specialists. For sensorineural hearing differences, we provide child-friendly hearing solutions and advanced technology tailored to their needs.

Aural rehabilitation and listening development

Our support goes beyond just fitting a device. We partner with your family on listening strategies, language development, and practical communication skills for everyday life.

Ongoing support

A child’s hearing needs evolve as they grow, move through school, and experience different environments. We regularly revisit goals and adjust solutions, settings, and strategies to ensure your child stays on the right track throughout their hearing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Very early! Many children are screened at birth, and follow-up testing is available at any age if you have concerns.

It truly depends on the cause and type of hearing difference. Some children will use hearing solutions long-term, while others may use them temporarily.

Sometimes, yes — especially when the issue is conductive, like ear fluid. However, when the inner ear is involved, advanced technology combined with listening training often provides the best outcomes for language and communication development.

They can. Sound levels at 85 decibels (similar to a loud blender) can begin to cause damage. We recommend following the 60/60 rule: Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, giving ears a break.

Take the Next Step for Your Child

If you suspect your child might have hearing concerns – or if you’re simply ready for a routine check-up – contact us to schedule an appointment.

Request an Appointment