ABSTRACT
Hearing loss often goes undetected, which means many children with hearing loss do not receive early intervention. Signs and symptoms are different for all children. Professionals often use the term hearing impairment to describe hearing loss. There are three types of hearing loss that a child may have: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss, which is the most common type of hearing loss, usually is treatable through medication or surgery. The audiologist is trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing individuals with hearing loss and balance disorders. Teachers often overlook or misidentify children with hearing impairments as having behavioral problems. The type and degree of the child’s hearing loss will directly affect the level of support that he will need in the inclusive setting. Children with a mild loss of hearing often exhibit subtle, easily overlooked signs.
