Even when babies are screened shortly after birth (using an otoacoustic emission test) and have a normal result, hearing difficulties may arise subsequently - and they may not always be obvious.
"The first indication of a problem usually has something to do with the young child not paying attention when spoken to, and it's typically the mother or main carer who notices this," says Adrian Dighe, chairman of British Paediatricians in Audiology. "Children under the age of three often have problems with speech delay.
"Older children may not realise you are speaking to them unless they are looking directly at your lips. They may have particular difficulty making out words when there is background noise."
In most cases, pharmacists will need to refer children with hearing problems to either a paediatric community audiology service or an ENT centre (via the GP). Pharmacists can, though, help parents to diagnose more minor problems, such as excess earwax.
Says Dr Dinghe: "If the child has any dark brown fluid in their ears, then it's probably wax. If it's yellow, then it's probably pus and the child should see their GP. Pharmacists can also help to advise with upper respiratory tract infections."
"The first indication of a problem usually has something to do with the young child not paying attention when spoken to, and it's typically the mother or main carer who notices this," says Adrian Dighe, chairman of British Paediatricians in Audiology. "Children under the age of three often have problems with speech delay.
"Older children may not realise you are speaking to them unless they are looking directly at your lips. They may have particular difficulty making out words when there is background noise."
In most cases, pharmacists will need to refer children with hearing problems to either a paediatric community audiology service or an ENT centre (via the GP). Pharmacists can, though, help parents to diagnose more minor problems, such as excess earwax.
Says Dr Dinghe: "If the child has any dark brown fluid in their ears, then it's probably wax. If it's yellow, then it's probably pus and the child should see their GP. Pharmacists can also help to advise with upper respiratory tract infections."
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