Children with hearing loss experience shame, guilt, anger, embarrassment, poor concentration, sadness, depression, worry, frustration, anxiety, suspicion, low self-respect and low confidence. If left untreated, hearing loss can possibly lead to exhaustion, headaches, vertigo, stress, inability to reach potential in sports, and eating, sleeping and stomach disorders.
Even mild hearing loss can greatly impact a child’s ability to learn. Losses can be observed academically as early as kindergarten and first grade and reach a peak by third grade. This is due in part to changes in language complexity, less visual cues, more verbalization, and the need to “build on” academically with each consecutive grade.
Children whose hearing loss is treated have a dramatically different experience. Their self- esteem is higher. They experience stronger and closer relationships with people. They have a greater sense of independence and perform better in school.