Hearing and hearing loss in children

Hearing is a precious sense for children of all ages.

Babies hear speech and learn to understand what people around them are saying long before they speak their first words. Infants and young children use hearing to learn, read, speak, make friends, discover the sounds of the world and be aware of their surroundings. And for teens, hearing allows them to connect and feel part of the crowd.

Hearing problems – which affect more than 10% of the world’s population – can hinder a child’s development in any or all of these areas.

As a worried parent, you may be comforted to know that, with the right hearing solution most children with hearing loss can hear again - even those who are profoundly deaf.

Learning more about hearing loss, the different treatments available and where to go for help is the first step towards a brighter future for your child.

	How hearing works Learn about the parts of the ear and how sounds are turned into messages our brain understands.
	Types of hearing loss Find out about the more common types and causes of hearing loss.
	Measuring hearing loss Understand the difference between mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss.
	Protecting your child’s hearing Tips to keep your child safe from unnecessary hearing loss.
	Hearing loss statistics See just how common hearing loss is.