Mega Doctor News
When it comes to a child’s development there are many factors at play, but perhaps the most important are a child’s ability to hear and speak. Issues with hearing or a speech impairment in children can affect their developmental progress, which can lead to delays in reaching important milestones as they grow up.
Hearing words and sounds are what help a child develop speech and language skills.
Unfortunately, speech and hearing impairments are common in children, which may lead to problems with speech and language skills and learning disabilities, as well as a lack in confidence and social skills.
Approximately one in 12 children in the U.S. experiences a disorder related to voice, speech, language or swallowing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, with the highest prevalence seen in children between the ages of 3-6 years old.
Yet nearly half of U.S. children ages three to 17 with a voice, speech, language or swallowing disorder have not received intervention services in the past year, per the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
“Untreated speech and hearing impairments can greatly affect a child’s learning by impeding their ability to comprehend and process spoken language,” says Kim Davis, MBA, BSN, RN, Pediatric Administrator, South Texas Health System. “That can lead to difficulties in following instructions, participating in class discussions, comprehending lectures, and ultimately resulting in lower academic achievement, social isolation and reduced motivation to learn.”
Children with untreated speech and hearing impairments may fall behind their peers by several grade levels depending on the severity of the impairment. The sooner a child receives help, the more likely their communication skills will reach full potential.
The first three years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, are the most crucial period for acquiring hearing and speech skills that develop best in a world rich with sounds and sights, as well as the consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.
To help parents and caregivers help ensure their children reach their developmental milestones, South Texas Health System Children’s is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Children’s Health online seminar to speech and hearingimpairments.
Streaming via the South Texas Health System Children’s Facebook Page on Wednesday, December 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature a speech & hearing professional discussing the significant setback a child can face when they experience hearing loss or a speech impediment, as well as highlight ways parents can intervene to ensure their child is reaching their developmental milestones.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Speech & Hearing” |
| When: | Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
