Here’s a very interesting chart on the impact of the various degree of hearing loss. Take a look, it’s quite an eye opener.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am very thankful that I was advised to send Hubby-jr for a hearing test. As I was talking to a friend recently, we wondered if there were kids that were misdiagnosed as autistic when it was just a simple case of hearing loss or impairment. The delayed speech and social skills certainly made it look like Hubby-jr may have “PDD-NOS“.
Yes, I’ve learnt and am learning quite a fair bit!
By the way, Hubby-jr may need a hearing aid after all. Even though his hearing loss is mild the effect on his social skills and learning can be quite significant at his age. (See the chart for a clearer picture)
The most obvious that was pointed out to us was that he may not be able to pick up subtle conversational cues thus affecting his social skills. And from what I observe of him daily, he is a little awkward when trying to play with other children.
He’s starting his formal speech therapy sessions next week and has another hearing test coming up a week later. At the meantime we’re praying for God to completely heal his right ear. Pray with us.
November 17, 2007 at 4:28 pm
hello i would like your opinion my son had glue ear and was unable to hear, down to aboutg 40% in both ears for most if his life until he had grommets at 3. He is now being diagnosed with pdd.
Could i get your advice as i dont think he has this condition
Cheers
Rachael
December 27, 2007 at 6:56 am
OMG I have been searching the internet for help with my 8yr old daughter and have come accross your page. I want to kiss you. After reading your words about autistic children being incorrectly diagnosed with PDD-NOS when they infact have some hearing impairment or ear problems made me sit up & read faster.
My daughter has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS last year & has recently come to me saying she is hearing beeping in her ears & sometimes people seem to be talking louder & faster.. how odd!!! Im obviously booking her in for an ear test as soon as possible after the holidays but I’m left feeling so very sick that she does have hearing problems and it hasnt been picked up. She did have a hearing test almost 2.5yrs ago & mild hearing loss more so in one ear then the other but was suggested that it may just be due to the fact that she’d had some ear infections in the past. I’m definately thinking this is all because of her ears / hearing rather then PDD-NOS.
Rachelle