Vision
Functioning eyes and
a good working brain allows kids to interpret environmental information. Kids
use street signs and books to understand how letters and words work. Parts of
the vision that does not work properly cannot interpret environmental
information and the brain may lose the information over time. For example, when
kids are born with cataracts they lose the full function of seeing light and
dark. If cataracts are not removed early, their brain may lose the ability to
lose part of its function. The eyes are the camera and the brain must be able to
use what the eyes sees. Kids need to go to the eye doctor regularly. Warning
signs kids that kids should go to the eye doctor are: one eye drifts or aims in a
different direction, turns or tilts head to see. Squinting or closing one eye
to see, headaches or eye strain, and double vision.
Hearing
Sound travels like
waves. The ears translate the waves. Hearing is the ability to separate sounds
and make meaning from the signals. The ability develops with experience with
sounds during infancy and childhood. For example, loud repetitive sounds cause
poor organization of processing. A child’s development is dependent on their
hearing. Problems need to be addressed as early as possible. Good hearing is
crucial for the development of a child’s learning. Kids born with hearing
problems may have speech problems. If a
child receives a hearing implant early, the child has a good chance of never
developing speech problems. Kids with long term hearing problems may develop
reading and other delays later in their life.
