The summer break is almost over, and school is starting again in some states. That’s a good reason to think about our little ones’ hearing.

After summer vacation, school bells are ringing again everywhere. Children starting school are often especially excited—they’re finally off to school! But it’s crucial that children can hear well. Only then can they communicate with their classmates, play, and follow along in class. “If children can’t hear well, it has a significant impact on their overall development—both physically and socially. Healthy hearingis crucial for children’s language development. That’s why parents should take action early on if they suspect hearing impairment or even hearing loss,” explains Gabriele Gromke, a pediatric audiologist.

Since young children can’t yet tell us whether they can hear well enough, it’s important that we keep our ears open for them. “Parents and teachers alike can pay attention to how well their children and students hear. For example, if a student often seems distracted but looks very focused while listening and speaks very loudly, hearing loss could be the cause. Contact the parents and share your observations. As is so often the case, the key here is to act as early as possible.” Also, if your child often says “What?” or “I didn’t catch that” or tilts their head toward you while listening, these can be signs of hearing loss.

If you suspect that your child isn’t hearing well, an ENT specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis. The causesof hearing loss in children can vary widely. Some cases of hearing loss in children are present from birth. Newborn hearing screeningcan provide clarity immediately after birth. Other causes can include ear infections, such as otitis media, which can lead to temporary hearing loss. If the ENT specialist determines that your child has a permanent hearing impairment, experienced pediatric audiologists can provide further assistance.

Pediatric audiologists are specially trained to treat children. This is because the hearing aid needs of children differ from those of adults. “Working with children is a special kind of work. We work closely and responsibly with parents to help children with hearing loss regain a full hearing experience and thus support their development,” explains pediatric audiologist Gabriele Gromke.