Hearing loss and children

By Cara Donovan, Au.D., Sounds of Life Hearing

The doctors of audiology at Sounds of Life Hearing in Concord Township are experts in assessing the hearing of both adults and children. Helping children avoid future problems associated with hearing loss is a main reason Cara Donovan, Au.D., joined the practice in 2019.

“I love working with children and I wanted pediatrics to be a focus of my audiology practice,” says Dr. Donovan.

Dr. Donovan says that all children receive a universal newborn hearing screening and are tested again in kindergarten.

“If hearing deficits are detected in kindergarten, the child is referred to an audiologist for further assessment,” says Dr. Donovan. “We test for hearing loss in a fun and engaging way to be sure to get the most accurate results possible, while also checking to be sure the ear drum is moving properly.”

Hearing problems can occur as a result of chronic ear infections, excess fluid in the ear or the structure of the ear itself. Dr. Donovan will help parents with the next steps to take for medical treatment or hearing aids if the loss is permanent.

Dr. Donovan advises parents to look for signs like inability or delay in mimicking words and sounds, or not responding to voices or commands.

“Babies and children rely on hearing to develop language and rely on us to advocate for them,” says Dr. Donovan. “Seeing the growth of a child as their hearing improves is the most rewarding part of my career.”

From babies to the elderly, Sounds of Life Hearing will put your family on the path to better hearing.

Sounds of Life Hearing Center is located at 8007 Auburn Road, Suite 1, in Concord Township. For more information call 440-579-4085, or check the website SoundsOfLifeHC.com.