The ability to hear clearly is an important component in the development of a child. During the formative years, much of what children learn is in the form of mimicking. When a child is suffering from an auditory issue, they can't clearly hear what you're saying, which means they can't accurately mimic what you're doing. This difficulty can have a significant impact on their life.
Declined Language Development
When someone says a word, a child processes this sound and tries to recreate it. It's important to understand that a sound will only be produced in the manner that it was heard. Any distortion in the child's ability to hear will manifest in the way they produce the sound.
In addition to hearing sounds, children also learn about expressive language based on the words and actions being displayed by others around them, which helps them build their vocabulary. However, when a child can't hear correctly, they aren't always able to make this connection, which can also hinder their language development.
Social Difficulties
As previously mentioned, hearing has a significant impact on a child's ability to learn expressive language. This language form is an important part of being able to communicate with those around you. Whether it's another child they want to play with or another adult, such as a teacher, children need to be able to express themselves socially.
Children with auditory concerns may have difficulties in this area that impact their ability to socialize and express themselves with those around them. Not only can this challenge impact them inside and outside the classroom, but it can even have an impact after the auditory issue has been corrected. Particularly, if it went on for a long time.
Decreased Confidence
When a child has declined language development and social difficulties, this can lead to decreased confidence. This is true no matter the age of the child. Even for a young child attending preschool, if they are able to see that their peers are speaking and engaging in activities that they can't, this can make them feel bad about themselves.
Decreased confidence can have an impact on a child's ability to learn for many years to come, as well as their openness to engage with others and is not a consequence that should be ignored.
If you suspect your child has an auditory concern, you don't have time to waste. Have your child seen by a professional, such as Mark Montgomery MD FACS, to ensure your child is on the right track.
Share