Most kids with average hearing begin to learn language by listening to people talking. Kids with hearing loss are also able to learn language, but may need to be exposed to language in different ways to do so.
This is why it is important to check kids' hearing. The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program now tests most babies within 24 hours after they are born. If the initial test suggests your baby may be deaf or hard of hearing, you will be referred to follow up testing and re-screening. The Minnesota Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program provides many resources for parents on this journey.
Remember that hearing loss can occur at any age. If you notice changes in your child’s behavior, your child is not speaking as expected or seems to not follow directions, talk to your doctor. If you have Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, this is a covered visit under the Child and Teen Checkups program.
The Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division provides many helpful resources to families of kids with hearing loss, including:
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (the Commission) has a resource page designed for parents, family members, and students who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. It describes organizations, programs and services, and provides links to their websites.
