ch 37 box 37.4: clinical manifestations of hearing impairment

Question 1

what are manifestations of hearing impairment in infants?

Answer 1

• lack of startle or blink reflex to a loud sound
• failure to be awakened by loud environmental noises
• failure to localize a source of sound by 6 mo
• absence of babble or voice inflections by 7 mo
• general indifference to sound
• lack of response to the spoken word
• failure to follow verbal directions
• responds to loud noises instead of voice

Question 2

what are manifestations of hearing impairment in children?

Answer 2

• uses gesture instead of verbalization to express desires, esp after 15 mo
• failure to develop intelligible speech by 24 mo
• monotone & unintelligible speech
• lessened laughter
• vocal play, head banging, or foot stamping for vibratory sensation
• yelling or screeching to express pleasure, needs or annoyance
• asking to have statements repeated or answering them incorrectly
• greater response to facial expression & gestures than verbal explanation
• avoidance of social interaction –> wants to play alone
• confused facial expression
• suspicious alertness alternating with cooperation
• frequent stubbornness bc of lack of comprehension
• irritability at not making themselves understood
• shy, timid & withdrawn behavior
• usually seen as “in a world of their own” or inattentive